An unusual presentation of neurotuberculosis: subdural empyema. Case report.
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.
Cayli
S R
SR
Department of Neurosurgery, Inönü University School of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey. srcayli@hotmail.com
Onal
C
C
Koçak
A
A
Onmuş
S H
SH
Tekiner
A
A
D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004322:Drainage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D013354:Empyema, Subdural / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D020306:Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
D000995:Antitubercular Agents