TB Research

Coexisting spinal intramedullary and intracranial tuberculomas in an immunocompetent child

VaishaliR Ghane, Preeti Shanbag, Ashish Meshram

Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences · 2019-01

Abstract

Pediatric neurotuberculosis manifests commonly as tuberculous meningitis and intracranial tuberculomas. The ratio of occurrence of intracranial to intraspinal tuberculoma reported is 42:1. Intramedullary tuberculomas (IMTs) are rare, and the coexistence of intramedullary and intracranial tuberculoma is extremely rare. We report a case of coexisting intramedullary and intracranial tuberculoma in a 5-year-old boy who presented with fever for 12 days, progressive motor weakness in the lower limbs for 9 days, and retention of urine and constipation for 6 days. Neurological examination revealed signs of compressive myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine detected IMT at D4-D5 level of the thoracic cord with perilesional edema. MRI of brain revealed a right frontal tuberculoma. Medical management with antituberculosis therapy and steroids resulted in complete neurological recovery.

MeSH terms

  • Tuberculoma
  • Medicine
  • Intramedullary rod
  • Myelopathy
  • Spinal cord
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Meningitis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Radiology
  • Surgery