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Intracranial giant tuberculoma: A 7-year institutional experience and literature review
Srihari Bangalore Gangadhar Swamy1, Vinay Jaikumar2, Nagarjun Maulyavantham Nagaraj1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, KR Road, Near Fort, Bengaluru, Karnataka State, India.
Background:
Intracranial tuberculomas are infrequent with a lower morbidity and mortality compared to tubercular meningitis. Giant intracranial tuberculomas are rarer but important differentials for intracranial space-occupying lesions causing focal neurological deficits depending on anatomical location and size.
Methods:
Histopathologically confirmed giant intracranial tuberculomas selected based on institutional size criteria (<12 Years-old: ≥25 mm; 12-18 Years-old: ≥35 mm; ≥18 Years-old: ≥40 mm) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for clinical features, radiology, surgical management, and outcomes in patients admitted from 2015 to 2022.
Results:
Ten patients were included (Males:Females = 3:7; Age: 8-68 Years, Average: 30.1 Years). Mean duration of symptoms was 2.84 months. Two patients demonstrated active systemic tuberculosis. Previous tubercular infections included pulmonary involvement in four, meningeal in three, and a cerebellar tuberculoma in one patient. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in five patients demonstrated no tubercle bacilli. Seven lesions were supratentorial and three infratentorial. Giant tuberculomas demonstrated profound T2 hypointensity, sub-marginal T2 hyperintense crescents, and significant perilesional vasogenic edema. Craniotomy and excision were mainstay except in one case treated only with ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Three additional patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus. One patient died from aspiration pneumonia and sepsis following a postoperative seizure. Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT) was advised for 18 months. Follow up ranged from 4 to 18 months. One patient was medically managed for ATT-induced hepatitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and coincidental paradoxical reaction. Remainder of patients showed complete resolution of symptomatology and absence of new symptoms till latest follow up.
Conclusion:
Clinical course of giant tuberculomas differ from non-giant variants in characteristic radiology, more intensive ATT, and possibility for partial debulking/excision.
Insights
Giant intracranial tuberculomas are rare space-occupying lesions. This study reviews their clinical features, radiology, and management, showing characteristic imaging and intensive Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT) improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intracranial tuberculomas are uncommon, with giant forms being rare but significant differentials for intracranial space-occupying lesions.
- Giant intracranial tuberculomas present unique challenges in diagnosis and management compared to smaller lesions.
Conclusions:
- Giant intracranial tuberculomas exhibit distinct radiological features and necessitate intensive Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT).
- Surgical debulking or excision, when feasible, combined with ATT, leads to favorable outcomes.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective management of these rare lesions.
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