Surgical Management of Tuberculosis-related Cerebral Disorders: A Retrospective Single-center Study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, with extrapulmonary manifestations, including central nervous system involvement, posing substantial morbidity and mortality. While medical treatment with anti-TB drugs is the mainstay of therapy, certain TB-related cerebral complications, such as hydrocephalus, abscesses, and large symptomatic tuberculomas, may require surgical intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical management in patients with TB-related cerebral disorders. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 24 patients who underwent surgical intervention for TB-related cerebral disorders, including tuberculomas, hydrocephalus, and abscesses, at a tertiary care center between 2005 and December 2020. Demographic data, clinical presentations, radiological findings, surgical techniques, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The study cohort had a mean age of 35.8 ± 13.6 years, and the majority (62.5%) were male. Underlying immunodeficiency, primarily HIV infection, was present in 75% of the patients. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (83.3%), focal neurological deficits (75%), and altered mental status (54.2%). Radiological findings revealed 13 (54.2%) tuberculomas, 8 (33.3%) instances of hydrocephalus, and 3 (12.5%) abscesses. VP shunt inserted in 8 (33.3%) cases. Microscopic craniotomy performed in 7 (29.16%) cases. Aspiration through burr hole was done in 3 (12.5%) cases and stereotactic biopsy was performed in 6 (25%) cases. After 12 months of follow-up, favorable outcome achieved in 18 cases (75%) and the mortality occurred in 2 patients (8.3%). Surgical interventions included lesion resection (n = 10), stereotactic biopsy (n = 7), and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement (n = 7). At 12-month follow-up, 18 (75%) patients had a favorable outcome, defined as clinical improvement or stabilization. Unfavorable outcomes were observed in 6 (25%) patients, including 2 deaths. CONCLUSION: Surgical management, in conjunction with appropriate anti-TB medical therapy, may be a valuable component of the comprehensive treatment approach for select patients with TB-related cerebral disorders. The favorable outcome rate observed in this study suggests that timely and tailored surgical intervention can contribute to improved patient outcomes. However, larger, prospective, multicenter studies are needed to further elucidate the role and long-term efficacy of surgical management in this patient population.

[The effect of surgical treatment of tuberculous abscesses and tuberculoma of the brain on the dynamics of neurological symptoms]. / Vliyanie khirurgicheskogo lecheniya tuberkuleznykh abstsessov i tuberkulem golovnogo mozga na dinamiku nevrologicheskoi simptomatiki.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of surgery in reducing neurological symptoms in patients with focal brain tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients with tuberculosis meningoencephalitis were studied. Among them, 20 people with a life expectancy of at least 6 months were identified, in whom foci with a ring-shaped accumulation of contrast along the periphery were determined during MSCT of the brain. Formed tuberculomas and abscesses were removed from 7 patients (group 1) under neuronavigation control. Indications for the operation were: the absence of a reduction in size for 3-4 months, the limitation of the lesion to 1-2 foci with reduction of perifocal edema according to MSCT and normalization of cerebrospinal fluid. Six patients had contraindications or refusals from operations (group 2). In 7 patients, there was a decrease in formations by the control period (group 3). Neurological symptoms in the groups at the beginning of the observation were similar. The duration of observation was 6-8 months. RESULTS: In group 1, patients were discharged with improvement, postoperative cysts were determined in all of them at discharge. In group 2, 67% died. In group 3, 43% of patients had a complete reduction of foci during conservative treatment, in 57% cysts formed in place of foci. Neurological symptoms decreased in all groups, with the most decrease in group 1. However, statistical analysis did not show significant differences between the groups regarding the reduction of neurological symptoms. A significant difference in the mortality criterion between groups 1 and 2 was obtained. CONCLUSION: Despite the absence of a significant effect on the reduction of neurological symptoms, the high survival rate of operated patients shows the need to remove tuberculosis formations in all the cases.

Intracranial giant tuberculoma: A 7-year institutional experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial tuberculomas are infrequent with a lower morbidity and mortality compared to tubercular meningitis. Giant intracranial tuberculomas are rarer but important differentials for intracranial space-occupying lesions causing focal neurological deficits depending on anatomical location and size. METHODS: Histopathologically confirmed giant intracranial tuberculomas selected based on institutional size criteria (<12 Years-old: ≥25 mm; 12-18 Years-old: ≥35 mm; ≥18 Years-old: ≥40 mm) were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for clinical features, radiology, surgical management, and outcomes in patients admitted from 2015 to 2022. RESULTS: Ten patients were included (Males:Females = 3:7; Age: 8-68 Years, Average: 30.1 Years). Mean duration of symptoms was 2.84 months. Two patients demonstrated active systemic tuberculosis. Previous tubercular infections included pulmonary involvement in four, meningeal in three, and a cerebellar tuberculoma in one patient. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in five patients demonstrated no tubercle bacilli. Seven lesions were supratentorial and three infratentorial. Giant tuberculomas demonstrated profound T2 hypointensity, sub-marginal T2 hyperintense crescents, and significant perilesional vasogenic edema. Craniotomy and excision were mainstay except in one case treated only with ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Three additional patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus. One patient died from aspiration pneumonia and sepsis following a postoperative seizure. Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT) was advised for 18 months. Follow up ranged from 4 to 18 months. One patient was medically managed for ATT-induced hepatitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and coincidental paradoxical reaction. Remainder of patients showed complete resolution of symptomatology and absence of new symptoms till latest follow up. CONCLUSION: Clinical course of giant tuberculomas differ from non-giant variants in characteristic radiology, more intensive ATT, and possibility for partial debulking/excision.

Ruptured intraventricular tuberculous brain abscess mimicking cystic neoplasm: a case report.

Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a potentially life-threatening condition that may manifest in different forms and simulate other pathologies. It rarely involves the ventricles and the occurrence of primary intraventricular tuberculous brain abscess (TBA) has exceptionally been reported. As far as we know, ruptured intraventricular TBA has not been described before. An immunocompetent 56-years-old man was admitted for sub-acute intracranial hypertension with behaviour disorders. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a cystic lesion of the third ventricle containing fluid-fluid level with biventricular hydrocephalus and debris in the occipital horns. A ruptured cystic neoplasm was first considered. The patient underwent surgery via a right transcortical transventricular approach, combining both microscope and endoscope. The puncture of the lesion brought pus and the Ziehl-Neelson (ZN) staining demonstrated acid-fast bacilli. Intraventricular tuberculous abscess is an extremely rare condition that can take an unusual radiological appearance. This observation highlights the consideration of tuberculosis within the list of differential diagnosis of intraventricular cystic lesions in immunocompetent hosts.

Cerebral Tuberculoma of Right Frontal Lobe in an Unconscious Patient.

Cerebral tuberculoma of the brain are uncommon presentation of tuberculosis (1%). A 17-year female presented to the emergency with a Glasgow Coma Score of (eye-1, verbal-1 and motor-3), 5/15 bilateral fixed pupils with laborious breathing. The radiological features were suggestive of aintracerebral abscess/ glioma. Intraoperatively the brain was very tense and a large, vascular, mass was present that was excised completely. Her histopathology revealed features of tuberculoma and she was started on anti-tubercular treatment. She is discharged home with regular follow-up for the last 10 months.Cerebral tuberculoma although uncommon should be thought of in developing countries as differential of cystic enhancing lesions of the brain. Keywords: Abscess; central nervous system; glioma; tuberculoma; tuberculosis.

Role of Surgery in Intracranial Tuberculomas and Proposal of a Novel Diagnostic Criteria for Diagnosis (Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences Criteria).

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial tuberculomas (IT) are often misdiagnosed or overdiagnosed, resulting either in delay in treatment of this curable illness or in unnecessary surgical intervention. A new method of diagnostic criteria for preoperative diagnosis of IT is proposed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients with a preoperatively suspected diagnosis of IT who were operated on at our institute from 2010 to 2019. The patients were divided into 2 groups: biopsy-proven IT and biopsy ruled out IT. Tests of diagnostic accuracy were applied for each finding. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were operated on in the given period, 40 of whom were proved by biopsy as having tuberculoma. In the remaining 29 patients, the biopsy ruled out tuberculoma. Three features were identified as major criteria and 7 features were identified as minor criteria. We suggest that the diagnosis of IT should be made preoperatively, in the presence of 3 major criteria, 2 major and 3 minor criteria, 1 major and 5 minor criteria, or 7 minor criteria. By applying these diagnostic criteria to each of the 69 patients, we could diagnose IT in all 40 patients and exclude IT in all 29 patients preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that empirical antituberculous treatment should be started in a patient without the need for invasive surgery if our criteria are met. If the criteria are not met, we suggest further evaluation of the patient for an alternative diagnosis or early surgery for definitive management. Surgery decreases the duration of antituberculous treatment and helps in early resolution of lesions.

Factors Predicting the Need for Prolonged (>24 Months) Antituberculous Treatment in Patients with Brain Tuberculomas.

BACKGROUND: Patients with brain tuberculomas are generally managed with 12-18 months of antituberculous treatment (ATT) with or without surgery. However, a subset of these patients may require ATT for longer periods. We studied the factors that were associated with the need for prolonged ATT (>24 months) in patients with brain tuberculomas. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with intracranial tuberculomas managed from January 2000 to December 2015 if they were followed up until completion of therapy and resolution of the tuberculoma/s. The predictive factors analyzed were the number of lesions (solitary vs. multiple), location (infratentorial vs. supratentorial and infratentorial), previous ATT treatment (yes vs. no), surgery (yes vs. no), and size of the lesion (≤2.5 cm vs. >2.5 cm). RESULTS: Of the 86 patients, 19 (22%) received ATT for >2 years. On multivariate analysis, multiple lesions were significantly associated with the need for prolonged ATT (P = 0.02). Size of the tuberculoma showed a trend toward significance (P = 0.06), with tuberculomas >2.5cm having a 3.68 times increased risk of requiring prolonged ATT. CONCLUSIONS: Although 78% of brain tuberculomas resolve with 12-24 months of ATT, 22% required >24 months of ATT. Multiple tuberculomas had significant association with prolonged ATT, with a median duration of resolution of 36 months. Because tuberculomas >2.5 cm were likely to need longer duration of ATT, brain tuberculomas that require surgery should be excised totally or reduced in size to <2.5 cm to enable early resolution.

Tuberculoma intracerebral en gestante inmunocompetente / Intracerebral tuberculosis in pregnant immunocompetent

La tuberculosis causada por la bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, se encuentra entre las 10 primeras causas de mortalidad a nivel mundial; la presentación extrapulmonar se produce por siembra vía hematógena o linfática desde un foco primario, correspondiendo a la afectación de sistema nervioso central el 5% de infecciones por TB y se presenta con menor frecuencia en personas inmunocompetentes. Las formas de tuberculosis de SNC son meningitis, tuberculosis espinal y tuberculomas que corresponden al 1% de infecciones por TB. El tratamiento se basa en la terapia antifímica, reservando el manejo neuroquirúrgico para puntuales indicaciones como deterioro neurológico, hidrocefalia o mala respuesta al tratamiento farmacológico.

Tuberculosis, caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, is among the top 10 cau-ses of mortality worldwide; The extrapulmonary presentation is produced by hematogenous or lymphatic seeding from a primary focus, 5% of TB infections corresponding to central nervous system involvement and occurs less frequently in immunocompetent people. The forms of CNS tuberculosis are meningitis, spinal tuberculosis and tuberculomas that corres- pond to 1% of TB infections. The treatment is based on antifungal therapy, reserving neurosurgical management for specific indications such as neurodeterioration, hydrocephalus or poor response to pharmacological treatment

Neglected Recurrent Scalp Sinus: Calvarial Tuberculosis with Intracranial and Extracranial Extension.

BACKGROUND: Calvarial tuberculosis (TB) with intracranial tuberculoma and skin involvement is rare condition even in endemic regions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old man presented with a generalized seizure, altered mental state, scalp swelling, and pus-discharging sinus over the scalp. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain indicated a conflicting diagnosis of anaplastic meningiomas and chronic osteomyelitis with intracranial extension. Débridement and drainage of intracranial pus was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed TB. After surgery, the patient's general condition improved, and he was started on antitubercular drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Calvarial TB manifests with various clinical features, and strong clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose and treat it. Only a few cases of calvarial TB with either skin involvement or intracranial extension have been reported in the literature. The present case was challenging to diagnose with a rare presentation involving both intracranial and extracranial extension.

Surgery for brain tuberculosis: a review.

The two main manifestations of brain tuberculosis that require surgery are hydrocephalus associated with tuberculous meningitis (TBMH) and brain tuberculomas. TBMH most often responds to medical therapy but surgery is required promptly for those who fail medical therapy. Both ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are valid options although the latter is more often successful in patients with chronic hydrocephalus than in those with acute meningitis. Patients with TBMH are more prone to complications following VP shunt than other patients. The outcome of these patients is determined by the Vellore grade (I to IV) of the patients prior to surgery with those in good grades (I and II) having a better outcome and those in the worst grade (IV) having a high mortality in excess of 80 %. Patients with brain tuberculomas present clinically with features of a brain mass, indistinguishable clinically from other pathologies. CT and MR features might provide a probable diagnosis of a tuberculoma but most often a histological diagnosis is desirable. Empiric medical therapy is reserved for a small number of patients. Although the treatment of brain tuberculomas is essentially medical, surgery is required when the diagnosis is in doubt, to reduce raised intracranial pressure or local mass effect and to obtain tissue for culture and sensitivity studies. Stereotactic biopsy, stereotactic craniotomy and excision of superficial small tuberculomas and microsurgery are all procedures used to manage brain tuberculomas. The outcome in patients with brain tuberculomas is good if the tuberculous bacillus is sensitive to the anti-tuberculous therapy. The duration of therapy is debated but we suggest at least 18 months of combination therapy with three or four anti-tuberculous drugs and continue the therapy till the tuberculoma has resolved on neuro-imaging.

Aphasia secondary to tuberculosis: a review of a nineteenth-century case report by Booth and Curtis (1893).

The topic of aphasia secondary to tuberculosis deserves attention for two reasons: first, for better understanding rare etiologies of aphasia in medical history; and secondly, for initiating a multidisciplinary discussion relevant to aphasiologists, neurologists, pathologists, and clinicians generally. This article will focus on clinical observations of tuberculosis-related aphasia in the nineteenth century, highlighting a noteworthy case report presented by Booth and Curtis (1893).

Orbital cortical approach to lesions around the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle: indication and surgical parameters.

BACKGROUND: An orbital cortical approach to lesions in the region of the frontal horn is described on the basis of surgical experience with five cases and dissections of three cadaveric brain specimens. The approach involves cortical incision over the orbital surface of the frontal brain and directing the surgical trajectory superiorly. The possible indications of the approach and the critical surgical parameters are described. METHOD: To assess the landmarks that could be used to employ the approach, three formalin-fixed frozen cadaveric brains were appropriately dissected. A number of parameters were analysed to identify the safe entry points and the trajectory to approach the frontal horn. Five lesions located in the region of the frontal horn were operated upon by employing the discussed approach. RESULTS: The frontal horn is located at the depth of approximately 18 mm (range, 17-20 mm) from the orbital surface of the frontal brain. In a lateral perspective, the tip of the frontal horn is in line with the tip of the temporal pole. Wide opening of the Sylvian fissure, relaxation of the brain and lateral basal frontal exposure can be used effectively to obtain a suitable angulation for conduct of surgery. Avoidance of olfactory tracts and Heubner's perforating artery at the site of medial orbital gyrus cortical incision and appropriately directing the corticectomy that avoids the association fibre tracts, caudate head and internal capsule can lead to a safe exposure of the frontal horn. The approach is suitable for lesions involving or in the vicinity of the inferior aspect of the frontal horn and in the region of the caudate head. Neuronavigation can be of assistance during surgery and avoid critical misdirection. All the five lesions were treated without consequence. CONCLUSIONS: For selected indications, an inferior frontal or orbital cortical approach can be used effectively and safely to approach lesions in relation to the frontal horn. The approach needs to be precise to avoid injury to vital adjoining structures.

Multi-institutional neurosurgical training initiative at a tertiary referral center in Mwanza, Tanzania: where we are after 2 years.

BACKGROUND: The paucity of neurosurgical care in East Africa remains largely unaddressed. A sustained investment in local health infrastructures and staff training is needed to create an independent surgical capacity. The Madaktari organization has addressed this issue by starting initiatives to train local general surgeons and assistant medical officers in basic neurosurgical procedures. We report illustrative cases since beginning of the program in Mwanza in 2009 and focus on the most recent training period. METHODS: A multi-institutional neurosurgical training program and a surgical database was created at a tertiary referral center in Mwanza, Tanzania. We collected clinical data on consecutive patients who underwent a neurosurgical procedure between September 9th and December 1st, 2011. All procedures were performed by a local surgeon under the supervision of a visiting neurosurgeon. Since the inception of the training initiative, comprehensive multidisciplinary training courses in Tanzania and an annual visiting fellowship for East African surgeons to travel to a major U.S. medical center have been established. RESULTS: At initial visits infrastructure and feasibility of complex case scenarios was assessed. Surgeries for brain tumors and complex spinal cases were performed. During the 3-month training period, 62 patients underwent surgery. Pediatric hydrocephalus comprised 52% of patients, 11% suffered from meningomyelocelia, and 6% presented with an encephalocele. A total of 24% of patients were treated for trauma-related conditions, representing 75% of the adult patients. A total of 10% of patients had surgery because of traumatic spine injury, and 15% of operations were on patients with severe head injury. A total of 6% of patients presented with degenerative spine disease. One patient sustained a fatal perioperative complication. At the end of the training period, the local general surgeon was able to perform all basic neurosurgical cases independently. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgical care in Tanzania needs to address a diverse, unique disease burden. We found that local surgeons could be enabled to safely perform basic cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures through immersive, 1-on-1 on-site collaborations, multidisciplinary courses, and educational visiting fellowships.

Concomitant tubercular and fungal cerebellar abscess in an immunocompromised girl.

Concomitant tubercular and fungal cerebellar abscess is rare and we report the first concomitant recurrent multi-lobulated tubercular and fungal cerebellar abscess in an immunocompromised girl with Histiocytosis-X. She presented with cerebellar abscess history diagnosed during the ongoing treatment for tuberculous meningitis. The abscess was drained. Upon the detection of cerebellar abscess recurrence and pulmonary infection, she was referred to our clinic five weeks after the first surgical intervention. Patient was conscious, co-operating but confused. She had severe cachexia, stiff neck and fever. Fundus examination showed bilateral papilledema. Cranial MR images revealed multiple lobulated lesions. Suboccipital craniectomy was performed and abscess was evacuated in toto. Lesion was multi-lobulated. Thick, yellow-gray purulent material was drained. Histopathological examinations yielded Langhans giant cells,budding and branching fungal structures. Fungal infection was identified. We emphasize that posterior decompression and total resection should be considered first in the management of lesions with mass effect in the posterior fossa. Also the presence of concomitant fatal fungal abscess highlights that although the clinic and former diagnoses of the patient may direct the clinician to a certain pathogen, unusual resistant organisms should not be.