Related Experiment Videos
Multiple intracranial tuberculomas mimicking brain metastases
M R el-Sonbaty1, N U Abdul-Ghaffar, A A Marafy
1Adan Hospital, Kuwait.
Tubercle and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Tuberculosis can mimic brain metastases, presenting with severe headaches and seizures. Prompt antituberculosis treatment led to complete resolution of intracranial lesions in this patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Brain metastases often present with neurological symptoms like seizures and headaches.
- Occult primary tumors require thorough investigation to identify the source of metastasis.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with upper gastro-intestinal tract bleeding, severe headache, and recurrent seizures.
- Computerised tomography (CT) revealed multiple brain metastases with an unknown primary tumor.
- Enlarged axillary lymph nodes showed caseating tuberculoid lymphadenitis, indicative of tuberculosis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with tuberculosis, not primary brain cancer.
- Antituberculosis treatment resulted in complete resolution of the intracranial lesions.
Implications:
- Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of brain lesions, especially in endemic areas.
- This case highlights the importance of lymph node biopsy in diagnosing disseminated tuberculosis.
- Effective antituberculosis therapy can lead to favorable neurological outcomes, even with extensive brain involvement.