Magic Dr.T? Tuberculous brain lesions in an immunocompetent patient-A case report

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mwajabu A Saleh, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences; Long Tu, Yale School of Medicine; Mechris Mango, Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute; Mboka Jacob, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences; Frank Minja, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-03-01
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2021.11.074
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Radiology Case Reports
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 581
• End Page: 586
• Keywords: Anti-TB antibiotics; Tuberculous
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Radiology

Abstract

Tuberculomas in the form of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions is an uncommon occurrence in immunocompetent patient. Central nervous system tuberculosis may manifest as meningitis, tuberculoma, or abscess and can even occur in patients with or without active respiratory tract infection. In the case of active infection, specific antibiotic combinations and dosing duration are required, and respiratory isolation/precautionary measures must be taken by the health care workers and members of the family. Most literature has reported Central nervous system tuberculosis in patients with immunosuppression such as from HIV infection or solid organ transplantation; however, in endemic areas, CNS tuberculoma should be a differential consideration even for immunocompetent patients presenting with ring enhancing lesion (s). Our case highlights the importance of maintaining this clinical suspicion. Early diagnosis and management of our patient helped prevent potentially serious neurological sequelae.