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Tuberculous brain abscess: report of a case with computed tomography correlation
Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1981
Summary
A rare case of a cerebellar abscess caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in a young Vietnamese immigrant. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with chemotherapy led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebellar abscesses are rare intracranial infections.
- Tuberculosis can manifest in various organs, including the central nervous system.
- Osteomyelitis can be a source of systemic infection.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old Vietnamese immigrant presented with symptoms including lassitude, weight loss, headache, nausea, vomiting, and left facial weakness.
- Initial presentation included osteomyelitis of the left 5th finger.
- Computed tomography revealed a left cerebellar hemisphere abscess.
Findings:
- Aspiration of the cerebellar abscess provided immediate relief of obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from the abscess pus, confirming tuberculous etiology.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis at operation was sterile.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of cerebellar abscesses, especially in immigrant populations.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- The potential for osteomyelitis to be a primary source of central nervous system tuberculosis warrants further investigation.