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Tuberculoma mimicking a pinealoma. Case report
Journal of Neurosurgery
|November 1, 1983
Summary
A rare case of cerebral tuberculoma in a 14-year-old girl, initially presenting as a pineal mass, highlights diagnostic challenges. Prompt antituberculous therapy and subtotal resection led to lesion resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Pineal region tumors can present with obstructive hydrocephalus and Parinaud's syndrome.
- Cerebral tuberculomas are uncommon and can mimic other intracranial pathologies.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old girl presented with headaches and Parinaud's syndrome.
- Computerized tomography (CT) identified obstructive hydrocephalus and a pineal mass.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no leukocytes, and no overt extracranial tuberculosis was evident.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed the pineal mass to be a tuberculoma.
- Subtotal resection followed by antituberculous therapy resulted in complete resolution of the lesion on serial CT scans.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulties associated with cerebral tuberculomas, especially in the pineal region.
- Effective management involves a combination of surgical intervention and appropriate antituberculous treatment.
- Highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies even with atypical presentations.