Brain tuberculomas

Ann Med Interne (Paris). 2000 Oct;151(6):448-55.

Abstract

Although brain tuberculomas have become rare in developed countries, diagnosis should be kept in mind when confronted with brain space-occupying lesion(s), particularly in immigrants from endemic countries. Surprisingly, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection does not seem to have affected the incidence of this tuberculous lesion. Clinical, biological and radiological signs are only suggestive. Thus, when no other active extracranial tuberculous process is found, the diagnosis should be confirmed by a biopsy before beginning antituberculous treatment which is rapidly effective. Adjunction of steroids may be warranted owing to the common paradoxical enlargement of lesions during the first weeks of therapy, as is now well described in lymph node tuberculosis. Cure can be obtained in more than 85% of the cases, but neurological sequelae are not rare.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial* / diagnosis
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents