Imaging features of brain tuberculoma in Tanzania: case report and literature review

Brain tubercluomas are a rare manifestation of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection usually resulting from hematogenous spread of the bacteria from a primary focus elsewhere in the body. A 29-year-old female with no history of pulmonary tuberculosis or signs of pulmonary infection presented with signs and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. She underwent CT and MR imaging where multiple enhancing lesions were revealed in the brain parenchyma. The features of tuberculoma on CT and MR imaging may mimic the appearance of several other brain lesions. Histological diagnosis of tuberculoma was obtained. In areas where tuberculosis is endemic, the imaging features of brain tuberculoma have to be readily recognized by attending doctors. (African Health Sciences: 2003 3(3): 131-135