Spectrum of Atypical Presentation of Tubercular Infections of Central Nervous System—Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Tubercular infections of central nervous system commonly present with hydrocephalus, basal exudates, infarcts, tuberculomas, etc. However, rarely there are atypical lesions which can pose greater difficulty in differentiating from other lesions like tumors. This case series describes the spectrum of such lesions, with review few individual reports found in literature. Clinical presentations were weakness of limbs, slurring of speech and underlying primary tubercular focus. The age group ranged from 16 - 60 years with M:F ratio being 1:1. Spectrum of such lesions is discussed here with emphasis on the role of magnetic resonance imaging in prompt diagnosis. Thus initiating an early conservative line of management and its follow up with aversion of neurointervention which has its own inherent complications, the final outcome is a reduction in morbidity and mortality (as noted in the follow up) as well as patient cost care.