TUBERCULOMA OF THE BRAIN (REVISITED)

Abstract
Cerebral tuberculoma mimics brain tumor, both clinically and radiographically. The patient often presents with seizures of recent onset; angiograms usually show a relatively avascular mass lesion associated with considerable edema. In 2 of the 3 cases in this report the brain scan was positive, suggesting that this will now be an increasingly important diagnostic modality. Although the over-all incidence of tuberculosis has declined in the United States, it still remains an important medical problem in deteriorated urban areas. A high index of diagnostic suspicion as to the possibility of tuberculoma in brain tumor suspects, particularly in hospitals serving such areas, may help towards a favorable therapeutic outcome.