Cerebral tuberculomas in a patient with hairy cell leukaemia treated with cladribine.

ABSTRACT

A 67-year-old man was treated with cladribine for hairy cell leukaemia. A few weeks later, he presented with persistent headaches, intermittent hypoesthesia of the right upper limb and language impairment. Brain CT scan showed 3 contrast-enhancing lesions. MRI revealed infracentimetric nodular lesions with restricted diffusion. One of the lesions was surgically removed and tested positive for acid-fast bacilli. Moreover, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by PCR. Antituberculous drugs were prescribed for 12 months, with complete resolution of neurological deficits. This case highlights the risk of mycobacterial infections associated with both hairy cell leukaemia and cladribine use, and the importance of screening and treatment of latent forms of tuberculosis in patients undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.