Intracranial Tuberculoma - A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Dr. P. B. Shayee Kalyee Shanjeev | Dr. T. E. Sathish Kumar

Abstract: Background: Tuberculomaare rare intracranial space occupying lesions usually associated with a primary focus elsewhere in the body most commonly in lungs. They present late and are associated with significant mass effect. The diagnosis is achieved by surgical excision of the lesion and histopathological examination of the specimen. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the various demographic factors, clinical presentation, intracranial location, surgical intervention and outcome of intracranial tuberculoma. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the institute of neurosurgery, madras medical college from January 2021 to February 2023. A total of 20 patients were included in this study. Results: All patients underwent surgical excision of the lesion follower by histopathological confirm of diagnosis. One patient had prior history of pulmonary tuberculosis which was treated.2 patients with cerebellar tuberculoma presented with obstructive hydrocephalus and needed ventriculoperitoneal shunting. None of the patients in our study group were HIV positive or had associated communicating hydrocephalus. All patients were started on standard WHO antitubercular drug regime for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Two patients died during the period of hospital stay. Conclusion: Intracranial tuberculoma are rare lesion, often presenting with late with signs of mass effect. The diagnosis in most cases is made after histopathological examination of space occupying lesion. A high index of suspicions is needed especially in endemic countries like India.

Keywords: Tuberculoma, hydrocephalus, antitubercular drugs, steroids

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 2555 - 2557