Misdiagnosed Intracranial Tuberculoma

Abstract

Although tuberculosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is rarely seen, it may cause neurological sequelae and mortality if treatment is delayed. A nine-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of convulsion. Since her convulsions were persistent, steroid treatment had been administered for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis based on the cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the examination of the patient, who was brought to our clinic due to recurrent convulsions, no pathological finding was detected except for bilateral papilledema. The tuberculin skin test revealed an induration of 19 mm. The positive tuberculin skin test, history of contact with an individual with tuberculosis, and findings indicating tuberculosis in the thorax and cranial imaging were assessed together with the symptoms and examination findings of the patient, and intracranial tuberculoma diagnosis was made. Antituberculosis treatment and dexamethasone treatment were initiated. No complications were observed in the two-year follow-up of the patient. Intracranial tuberculoma is a rare form of CNS tuberculosis with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Because clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings are nonspecific, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CNS disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.