Cavernous sinus tuberculoma: diagnostic difficulties in a personal case.
BACKGROUND
Tuberculoma of the brain is rare, and its location in the cavernous sinus is exceptional. Many factors make the diagnosis difficult, necessitating a surgical procedure.


METHODS
A 44-year-old woman complained of persistent headaches and diplopia. The examination revealed a right cavernous sinus syndrome. Radiologic investigation showed a growing process in the right cavernous sinus, overlapping the sella turcica. The diagnoses of metastasis, tuberculoma, and sarcoidosis were considered, but none of them could be confirmed. A biopsy of the lesion via a subtemporal approach revealed a tuberculoma. Antituberculous treatment led to complete resolution of her symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of a cavernous sinus tuberculoma is difficult; it is confirmed by biopsy. However, a trial of medical treatment, if the results are favorable, may obviate the need for a surgical procedure.
Rebai
R
R
Department of Neurological Surgery, H. Bourguiba Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.
Boudawara
M Z
MZ
Bahloul
K
K
Chabchoub
I
I
Chaari
S
S
Boudawara
T
T
Ben Mansour
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D016862:Tuberculoma, Intracranial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology
D000995:Antitubercular Agents