INTRACRANIAL TUBERCULOMA: A PAEDIATRIC CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Neuromeningeal tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study reports an atypical clinical presentation of cerebral tuberculoma in order to provide an update on this infectious disease. The study involved an 11-year-old HIV-negative boy admitted to the department with headache and jet vomiting. The clinical examination revealed a meningeal syndrome (stiff neck, Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs), sensory disorders and consciousness disorders. The examination also revealed painless, mobile, firm cervical and submaxillary adenopathies, the largest measuring 4 cm × 5 cm. The brain scan showed an expansive process developed at the expense of the cerebellar vermis in favour of a cerebral tuberculoma. CSF analysis showed lymphocytosis, hyperproteinorachia and hypoglycorachia. Pathological analysis revealed caseo-follicular tuberculous adenitis. The tuberculin intradermal test and the acid-fast bacillus test in the sputum were negative. Anti-tuberculosis treatment and corticosteroid therapy resulted in complete remission. Tuberculoma cerebritis is a serious disease. Early management is essential as complications can be severe