Central Nervous System Tuberculomas: A Review Article

Abstract

Central Nervous System Tuberculomas (CNSTs), the most dangerous form of tubercolomas, remains a public health problem, particularly in the developing country. Central nervous system tuberculomas, either single or multiple, usually presents as a diagnostic challenge because it resembles many other infectious and non-infectious medical conditions, particularly in patients without constitutional symptoms or evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body. Here we reviewed the available evidence to answer some of unanswered questions, especially those on the diagnosis and treatment of Central Nervous system tuberculomas. The clinical symptomatology of intracranial tuberculoma was not specific. The CSF profile may be completely normal, even in repeated specimen’s.The MRI was superior to the CT scan in showing not only the location and diagnostic features of tuberculoma, but also in detecting oedema of the brain. Surgical intervention in situation of acute complication of CNSTs, when there was no response to chemotherapy. Prompt diagnosis of Central nervous system tuberculomas result in early treatment and better outcome.