An unusual presentation of neurotuberculosis: subdural empyema. Case report

J Neurosurg. 2001 Jun;94(6):988-91. doi: 10.3171/jns.2001.94.6.0988.

Abstract

Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. Many types of neurotuberculosis have been described, but there is only one previously reported case of subdural empyema caused by tuberculous bacilli. A 1-year-old boy who had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis was referred to the authors' institution with a diagnosis of right frontoparietal extraaxial abscess formation. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extraaxial abscess with no evidence of calvarial infection. A craniotomy was performed to drain the pus, which was located subdurally. A polymerase chain reaction test yielded positive results, and histopathological examination revealed caseation. Antituberculous treatment was started after a diagnosis of subdural empyema with related neurotuberculosis had been made. At the end of a 12-month course of medical therapy, the patient was well with no evidence of tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drainage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Empyema, Subdural / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / pathology
  • Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / surgery

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents