TB Research

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord mimicking meningioma

Ansari AA, Korde P, Iratwar SW, Anjankar A

BMJ case reports · 2022-12

Abstract

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord is an extremely rare central nervous system tuberculosis manifestation. It is even rarer in patients who have no history of primary tuberculosis. A total of five cases, including the present case of intradural extramedullary tuberculoma without a history of primary tuberculosis, have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a male patient in his 20s who came with progressive weakness in his lower limbs, urinary incontinence and MRI features suggestive of meningioma. The patient underwent a D9-11 laminectomy with total debulking of the tumour. The histopathological examination revealed Langhans-type giant cells, confirming the diagnosis of a tuberculoma. The patient was advised an antitubercular therapy for 18 months. On a follow-up after 1 month, the patient could walk without support and had no urinary incontinence, indicating the importance of prompt surgical resection and adequate antitubercular therapy for a better outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Tuberculoma
  • Meningioma
  • Meningeal Neoplasms
  • Spinal Cord Diseases
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male