Neurotuberculosis with intracerebral tuberculoma and PCR for detectable Mycobacterium in CSF
Authors: Amaral Neto Antonio Serpa do , Jaskulski Eduarda , Leal Eduardo Martins , Marquardt Matheus , Vieira Gabriel de Deus , Hawerroth Joana Capano 
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Neurotuberculosis is the most serious form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The main clinical presentation is meningoencephalitis, which may be associated with tuberculomas. The detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by CSF in CSF is still a diagnostic challenge. Objectives: To report a clinical case of neurotuberculosis associated with intracranial tuberculoma with detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by CSF in CSF. Methods: Neurotuberculosis is the most serious form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The main clinical presentation is meningoencephalitis, which may be associated with tuberculomas. The detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by CSF in CSF is still a diagnostic challenge. Results: C. A. G., 45 years old, female, admitted to the hospital in January 2020, presenting holocranial, pulsatile headache, which had worsened for 5 days, with little response to analgesics, associated with an episode of tonic-clonic seizure crisis, without other clinical signs. Previous diagnosis of asthma, using continuously salbutamol and beclomethasone. Examinations were requested - BAAR search for positive sputum, rapid molecular sputum test revealing Mycobacterium tuberculosis, clear-looking CSF, detectable CRP for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, glucose 63, protein 56.3, total cytology 74 (35% neutrophils, 19% lymphocytes , 46% macrophages). The cranial tomography showed a nodular lesion in the corticosubcortical region of the left frontal lobe, with annular enhancement by means of contrast, measuring 3.9 x 3.9 cm, in addition to accentuated meningeal enhancement. Chest tomography showed hollowed-out lesions with thickened walls, with the appearance of a sprouting tree, predominating in the lower lobe of the right lung. The diagnoses of neurotuberculosis (cerebral tuberculoma and meningitis) and pulmonary tuberculosis were then established. Referred to the infectious disease referral hospital using RHZE associated with dexamethasone and phenytoin. After 48 hours of hospitalization, the patient evolved with confusion and mental disorientation, suspecting complex subentrant partial seizures with a confused post-ictal state. A new skull tomography was requested, which showed an expansive lesion with an ovoid aspect 4.5 x 3.3 cm with liquefied content and ring impregnation by means of contrast in the upper left frontal region with mass effect and significant perilesional edema. Electroencephalogram showed disorganized base activity, periodically, sometimes with three-phase morphology, sometimes acute, in both hemispheres, with greater projection to the left and epileptiform activity also in the frontal- temporal region, bilaterally and independently. After therapeutic adjustment, the patient remained clinically stable and was discharged from the hospital with outpatient followup due to infectious diseases and neurology. Conclusion: The case addressed draws attention to the different neurological manifestations observed in neurotuberculosis, such as headache, seizures, confusion and disorientation. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to achieve a favorable outcome.