Spinal Epidural Tuberculoma with Adjacent Vertebral Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE: An 85-year-old woman was transported to our institution due to difficulty in walking. Preoperative imaging showed spinal cord lesions indicative of spinal cord tumor at the T7-8 level, accompanied by T8 vertebral fracture. Intraoperatively, the spinal lesion was suspected to be an epidural abscess; therefore, the capsule was resected, and the abscess was drained. We added pedicle screw fixation at the T6-10 level. Postoperatively, the spinal cord lesion was definitively diagnosed as spinal epidural tuberculoma. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural tuberculomas should be considered in the treatment of spinal cord lesions causing paralysis attributed to spinal cord compression.

Pituitary tuberculoma with panhypopituitarism masquerading as a pituitary adenoma.

Tuberculosis of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis is extremely uncommon. The presentation of panhypopituitarism in a case of sellar tuberculosis is an even rarer occurrence. We present a case of a 44-year-old man who presented with complaints of headache and right-sided diminution of vision for six months. A hormone profile showed abnormal anterior pituitary assay suggestive of panhypopituitarism. Magnetic Resonance imaging of the brain showed a sellar mass measuring 1.8 × 1.5 × 1.3 cm with suprasellar extension suggestive of a pituitary adenoma. Histopathological examination showed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas along with Langhans giant cells and mixed inflammatory infiltrates against a necrotic background. Zeihl Neelson stain demonstrated the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Thus, a final diagnosis of pituitary tuberculoma was made, and the patient started on antitubercular therapy. It is extremely important to correctly diagnose sellar tuberculosis as the treatment is entirely different, and the patient usually responds well to therapy.

Metastatic and aggressive renal cell carcinoma mimicking a unilateral choroidal tuberculoma.

Ocular metastases from systemic tumors are uncommon. The choroid is the most frequent target, with a preference for elderly individuals. Lung cancer is the predominant primary tumor that metastasizes to the eyes in males, although other ocular conditions such as uveitis and retinal lesions can mimic secondary tumor implants in ocular tissues. On fundoscopy, choroidal metastasis resembles other infectious processes, especially choroidal tuberculoma. Therefore, patients presenting with choroidal masses should undergo detailed clinical examinations, especially if the mass is the first manifestation of a systemic and severe disease. In this report, we describe a young man with a metastatic choroidal tumor secondary to papillary renal cell carcinoma mimicking a unilateral choroidal tuberculoma.

Bilateral interstitial keratitis in a patient with presumed brain tuberculoma.

Interstitial keratitis is an inflammation of the corneal stroma without epithelium or endothelium involvement. The underlying causes are mostly infectious or immune mediated. Brazil has one of the highest incidence rates of tuberculosis in the world. Tuberculosis is considered one of the causes of interstitial keratitis. Malnutrition and anemia are risk factors of the disseminated disease. This is a case report of a 10-year-old child who presented with decreased visual acuity and a clinical diagnosis of bilateral interstitial keratitis and sclero-uveitis. The patient had been treated with topical steroids with partial improvement. Examinations revealed severe iron deficiency anemia, negative serologies for human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis, positivity for cytomegalovirus- and herpes simplex-specific IgG, and purified protein derivative of 17 mm. During the follow-up, the patient presented with tonic-clonic seizures, and magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested a central nervous system tuberculoma. Interstitial keratitis improvement was observed after specific tuberculosis treatment. This is the first case report describing the association of interstitial keratitis and central nervous system tuberculoma.

[Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as a lung mass in children: case report]. / Masa pulmonar como manifestación primaria de tuberculosis en pediatría: reporte de un caso.

Tuberculosis is one of the main causes of death due to infection around the world. Although tuberculosis frequently involves lung parenchyma, tuberculoma is a rare complication. We describe an atypical pulmonary presentation of tuberculosis. A 15-month-old girl, previously healthy, was referred to the pulmonology department due to fever, poor weight gain, and a 2-months persistent lung image on chest x-ray despite antibiotic therapy. She had been in frequent contact with a respiratory symptomatic subject. She was admitted to the hospital with a TST of 13 mm and a heterogeneous bulky mass in the left upper lobe at chest computed tomography. Three gastric lavages were Masa pulmonar como manifestación primaria de tuberculosis en pediatría: reporte de un caso Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as a lung mass in children: case report done and the patient underwent exploratory thoracoscopy and lung biopsy, with positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculoma was confirmed, and the patient received standard anti- tuberculosis therapy with a favorable evolution.

La tuberculosis es una de las principales causas infecciosas de muerte en el mundo y es endémica en Argentina. La mayoría de los casos de tuberculosis son de localización pulmonar; el tuberculoma una complicación infrecuente. Se describe un caso clínico de presentación pulmonar atípica de tuberculosis. Se trata de una niña de 15 meses, previamente sana, derivada a neumología por fiebre, mal progreso de peso e imagen persistente por 2 meses en la radiografía de tórax a pesar de haber recibido antibioticoterapia. Antecedente de contacto estrecho con persona sintomática respiratoria. Se internó para estudio, mostró una PPD de 13 mm y una masa voluminosa heterogénea en el lóbulo superior izquierdo en la tomografía computada de tórax. Se realizaron tres lavados gástricos y toracoscopia exploratoria con biopsia pulmonar con rescate de Mycobacterium tuberculosis en cultivos. Se diagnosticó tuberculoma pulmonar y realizó tratamiento estándar con fármacos antituberculosos con evolución favorable.

Masa pulmonar como manifestación primaria de tuberculosis en pediatría: reporte de un caso / Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as a lung mass in children: case report

La tuberculosis es una de las principales causas infecciosas de muerte en el mundo y es endémica en Argentina. La mayoría de los casos de tuberculosis son de localización pulmonar; el tuberculoma una complicación infrecuente. Se describe un caso clínico de presentación pulmonar atípica de tuberculosis. Se trata de una niña de 15 meses, previamente sana, derivada a neumología por fiebre, mal progreso de peso e imagen persistente por 2 meses en la radiografía de tórax a pesar de haber recibido antibioticoterapia. Antecedente de contacto estrecho con persona sintomática respiratoria. Se internó para estudio, mostró una PPD de 13 mm y una masa voluminosa heterogénea en el lóbulo superior izquierdo en la tomografía computada de tórax. Se realizaron tres lavados gástricos y toracoscopia exploratoria con biopsia pulmonar con rescate de Mycobacterium tuberculosis en cultivos. Se diagnosticó tuberculoma pulmonar y realizó tratamiento estándar con fármacos antituberculosos con evolución favorable.

Tuberculosis is one of the main causes of death due to infection around the world. Although tuberculosis frequently involves lung parenchyma, tuberculoma is a rare complication. We describe an atypical pulmonary presentation of tuberculosis. A 15-month-old girl, previously healthy, was referred to the pulmonology department due to fever, poor weight gain, and a 2-months persistent lung image on chest x-ray despite antibiotic therapy. She had been in frequent contact with a respiratory symptomatic subject. She was admitted to the hospital with a TST of 13 mm and a heterogeneous bulky mass in the left upper lobe at chest computed tomography. Three gastric lavages were done and the patient underwent exploratory thoracoscopy and lung biopsy, with positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculoma was confirmed, and the patient received standard anti- tuberculosis therapy with a favorable evolution.

Clinical Study of Different Treatment Methods for Tuberculous Pleuritis Complicated with Pleural Tuberculoma.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions of four different schemes in the treatment of pleural tuberculoma. Methods: A total of 120 patients with pleural tuberculoma admitted to the Tuberculosis Department of our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were selected as the research subjects. According to different treatment methods, the patients were divided into four groups, with 30 cases in each group. They were as follows: group A received classical HRZE regimen, group B received HRZE+pleural injection, group C received HZE+rifabutin, and group D received HZE+rifabutin+pleural injection. All patients were treated intensively for 3 months and then consolidated treatment for 6 months according to the patient's condition. The absorption of lesions in the four groups at different time was compared, and the occurrences of adverse drug reactions and treatment outcomes during treatment were recorded. Results: After 3 months of treatment, compared with groups A, B, and C, the number of significantly absorbed cases and effective cases in group D increased, while the number of invalid cases decreased. However, there was no statistical significance in the absorption of lesions between the four groups (χ 2 = 8.272, P = 0.507). In addition, pairwise comparison showed no significant difference in the absorption of lesions (P > 0.05). After 9 months of treatment, there was no significant difference in the absorption of lesions among the four groups (χ 2 = 8.795, P = 0.185), but the absorption of lesions in group D was significantly better than that in group A (P < 0.05). During treatment, the incidence of adverse reactions in the four groups was significantly different (χ 2 = 8.779, P = 0.032). Pairwise comparison showed that the incidence of adverse reactions in groups C and D was significantly lower than that in group A (P < 0.05). The total treatment course of group A was 9-16 months, and 10 cases (33.33%) still had residual lesions or pleural thickening at the end of treatment. The total course of treatment in group B was 9-12 months, and 7 cases (23.33%) still had residual lesions or pleural thickening at the end of the course of treatment. The total treatment course of group C was 9-16 months, and 8 cases (26.67%) still had residual lesions or pleural thickening at the end of treatment. The total course of treatment in group D was 9-12months, and there were still 2 cases of residual lesions (6.67%) at the end of the course. Conclusions: HZE+rifabutin+pleural injection against tuberculosis therapy has a significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of pleural tuberculoma, which can more effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients, improve the efficacy, and reduce complications, with a good prognosis, worthy of clinical promotion.

A rare case of intramedullary tuberculosis with paraparesis.

Intramedullary tuberculoma (IMT) is considered to be a rare form of spinal tuberculosis (TB). Overall, TB of the central nervous system accounts for approximately 1% of all cases of TB and 50% of these involve the spine. The clinical presentation of spinal intramedullary TB is similar to an intramedullary spinal cord tumor mass. The factors attributable could be malnutrition, poor socioeconomic conditions, and immunodeficiency syndromes. As per the reports, the incidence of primary intramedullary TB is 2 in 100,000 cases among patients with TB. We describe one such patient who presented with progressive asymmetrical paraparesis due to histologically confirmed intraspinal tuberculoma. Paraparesis in spinal IMT is considered to be rare. Hereby, we present the case of a 29-year-old female who presented with asymmetric onset paraparesis of 6 months with associated numbness and tingling began in the left foot 3 months which was ascending in nature. There was no history of stiffness, involuntary movements, flexor spasms, thinning, or fasciculations of muscles. There was a loss of sensation pain, touch, and temperature below L3 with normal reflexes. Power in both the lower limbs was 1/5 as per Medical Research Council (MRC) grading. She underwent a contrast magnetic resonance imaging spine which was suggestive of an intramedullary SOL at D12 vertebral level. The patient underwent surgical intervention with resection of the SOL. Histopathology was confirmed to be an IMT. She was started on Category 1 (antitubercular drugs) and further investigated for primary source, which was found to be negative. We want to emphasize that TB can involve any part of the body. It should be kept as a differential diagnosis of any chronic inflammatory lesion involving the bony skeleton, especially in endemic countries where combined surgical and medical treatment is usually sufficient to provide a cure.

Cerebral Tuberculoma with Mild Posterior Cervical Pain as the Main Symptom Despite Extensive Brain Lesions.

A 59-year-old woman with a diabetes history experienced mild neck pain. A neurological examination revealed only mild neck stiffness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive T2-weighted high-intensity lesions with patchy gadolinium enhancement mainly involving the white matter in the right parietal lobe. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed increased protein levels and pleocytosis. While QuantiFERON-TB Gold was positive, computed tomography (CT) and fluorodeoxyglucose on positron emission tomography-CT of the whole body showed no abnormal accumulation, suggesting tuberculosis. A brain biopsy revealed cerebral tuberculoma. As cerebral tuberculoma can show minimal neurological symptoms despite extensive lesions, a cautious examination and early treatment are required to prevent a devastating prognosis.

Neutrophil Dynamics Affect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Granuloma Outcomes and Dissemination.

Neutrophil infiltration into tuberculous granulomas is often associated with higher bacteria loads and severe disease but the basis for this relationship is not well understood. To better elucidate the connection between neutrophils and pathology in primate systems, we paired data from experimental studies with our next generation computational model GranSim to identify neutrophil-related factors, including neutrophil recruitment, lifespan, and intracellular bacteria numbers, that drive granuloma-level outcomes. We predict mechanisms underlying spatial organization of neutrophils within granulomas and identify how neutrophils contribute to granuloma dissemination. We also performed virtual deletion and depletion of neutrophils within granulomas and found that neutrophils play a nuanced role in determining granuloma outcome, promoting uncontrolled bacterial growth in some and working to contain bacterial growth in others. Here, we present three key results: We show that neutrophils can facilitate local dissemination of granulomas and thereby enable the spread of infection. We suggest that neutrophils influence CFU burden during both innate and adaptive immune responses, implying that they may be targets for therapeutic interventions during later stages of infection. Further, through the use of uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, we predict which neutrophil processes drive granuloma severity and structure.

Tuberculoma in the Fourth Ventricle: An Unusual Location.

To present a young immunocompetent patient with a fourth ventricle tuberculoma without pulmonary tuberculosis. A previously healthy young male patient presented with a history of headache, nausea, and blurred vision. Neuroimaging revealed a mass present in the fourth ventricle. The lesion was successfully resected. Histological and microbiological findings suggested the presence of a tuberculoma. Tuberculomas can be found in the posterior fossa in adults. This infectious pathology should not be forsaken when considering the differential diagnosis for infratentorial masses.

Combination of CT and telomerase+ circulating tumor cells improves diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUNDEarly diagnosis and treatment are key to the long-term survival of lung cancer patients. Although CT has significantly contributed to the early diagnosis of lung cancer, there are still consequences of excessive or delayed treatment. By improving the sensitivity and specificity of circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection, a solution was proposed for differentiating benign from malignant pulmonary nodules.METHODSIn this study, we used telomerase reverse transcriptase-based (TERT-based) CTC detection (TBCD) to distinguish benign from malignant pulmonary nodules < 2 cm and compared this method with the pathological diagnosis as the gold standard. FlowSight and FISH were used to confirm the CTCs detected by TBCD.RESULTSOur results suggest that CTCs based on TBCD can be used as independent biomarkers to distinguish benign from malignant nodules and are significantly superior to serum tumor markers. When the detection threshold was 1, the detection sensitivity and specificity of CTC diagnosis were 0.854 and 0.839, respectively. For pulmonary nodules ≤ 1 cm and 1-2 cm, the sensitivity and specificity of CTCs were both higher than 77%. Additionally, the diagnostic ability of CTC-assisted CT was compared by CT detection. The results show that CT combined with CTCs could significantly improve the differentiation ability of benign and malignant nodules in lung nodules < 2 cm and that the sensitivity and specificity could reach 0.899 and 0.839, respectively.CONCLUSIONTBCD can effectively diagnose pulmonary nodules and be used as an effective auxiliary diagnostic scheme for CT diagnosis.FUNDINGNational Key Research and Development Project grant nos. 2019YFC1315700 and 2017YFC1308702, CAMS Initiative for Innovative Medicine grant no. 2017-I2M-1-005, and National Natural Science Foundation of China grant no. 81472013.

FDG PET/CT in Disseminated Intracranial and Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tuberculomas.

ABSTRACT: A 54-year-old woman was referred because of dizziness with fatigue for 2 months. MRI of the head and spinal cord revealed multiple ring or homogeneous enhancing nodules in the brain and spinal cord, concerning for metastases. FDG PET/CT showed multiple hypermetabolic nodules in the brain and spinal cord corresponding to the gadolinium-enhanced nodules and diffuse FDG uptake in the bilateral lower lobes of the lungs. Chest high-resolution CT showed diffuse, bilateral miliary opacities, most predominant in the lower lobes. The imaging findings and results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis were consistent with disseminated central nervous system tuberculomas with miliary pulmonary tuberculosis.

A Novel In Vitro Mouse Model to Study Mycobacterium tuberculosis Dissemination Across Brain Vessels: A Combination Granuloma and Blood-Brain Barrier Mouse Model.

In vitro culture models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) provide a useful platform to test the mechanisms of cellular infiltration and pathogen dissemination into the central nervous system (CNS). We present an in vitro mouse model of the BBB to test Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) dissemination across brain endothelial cells. One-third of the global population is infected with Mtb, and in 1%-2% of cases bacteria invade the CNS through a largely unknown process. The "Trojan horse" theory supports the role of a cellular carrier that engulfs bacteria and carries them to the brain without being recognized. We present for the first time a protocol for an in vitro BBB-granuloma model that supports the Trojan horse mechanism of Mtb dissemination into the CNS. Handling of bacterial cultures, in vivo and in vitro infections, isolation of primary astroglial and endothelial cells, and assembly of the in vitro BBB model is presented. These techniques can be used to analyze the interaction of adaptive and innate immune system cells with brain endothelial cells, cellular transmigration, BBB morphological and functional changes, and methods of bacterial dissemination. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of primary mouse brain astrocytes and endothelial cells Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of primary mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells Support Protocol 1: Validation of dendritic cell purity by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 3: Isolation of primary mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells Support Protocol 2: Isolation of primary mouse spleen cells Support Protocol 3: Purification and validation of CD4+ T cells from PBMCs and spleen cells Basic Protocol 4: Isolation of liver granuloma supernatant and determination of organ load Support Protocol 4: In vivo and in vitro infection with mycobacteria Basic Protocol 5: Assembly of the BBB co-culture model Basic Protocol 6: Assembly of the combined in vitro granuloma and BBB model.

Warthin's tumor with necrotizing tuberculous granulomatous inflammation causing severe facial nerve adhesion in parotid gland: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Warthin's tumor is the second most common tumor arising from the parotid gland, but it rarely occurs concomitantly with tuberculous granulomatous inflammation with only 13 documented case reports in the English literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 82-year-old woman had a left infraauricular mass for approximately 3 years that had significantly increased in size over the previous 1 month. DIAGNOSES: A diagnosis of Warthin's tumor was made by ultrasonography (US)-guided core needle biopsy. Pathological examinations of the specimen obtained by total extirpation confirmed that the tumor was superimposed with tuberculous granuloma. INTERVENTIONS: The core biopsy wound did not heal and there was formation of a skin fistula tract with persistent discharge. During the operation with en bloc resection of the necrotic parotid tumor, adhesion between the branches of the facial nerve was too tight to allow preservation. OUTCOMES: A diagnosis of necrotic Warthin's tumor superimposed with tuberculous granuloma was made. Due to the high-clinical suspicion of tuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, anti-TB chemotherapy was given. LESSONS: Poor wound healing from a core biopsy and formation of a skin fistulous tract with persistent discharge should raise concern regarding potential extrapulmonary tuberculous infection. Although very rare, tuberculous granuloma concomitant with Warthin's tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a parotid mass lesion. Adhesion of branches of the facial nerve should be expected, and sacrifice of the nerve may be planned. This consideration can be explained to the patient in preoperative counseling and planning. Anti-TB chemotherapy should be given in cases with a definite pathological report associated with speculative clinical presentation.

Tuberculoma of the Peripheral Nerve: Illustrative Case and Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculomas affecting the peripheral nerve are exceedingly rare. As such, little has been reported about their clinical features, treatment, and outcomes. METHODS: We report the case of a 10-year-old male patient with histopathologically proven tuberculoma presenting preoperatively as a peripheral nerve tumor. We also performed a systematic review of the SCOPUS and PubMed databases for case reports and case series documenting patients with histopathologically confirmed peripheral nerve tuberculoma and discussed clinical features and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 7 cases of peripheral nerve tuberculomas were reported in the literature, including the current case. The mean age was 21.4 years with no sex predilection. The ulnar nerve was involved in all cases. The most common clinical manifestations were hand weakness, atrophy, ulnar clawing, and hypoesthesia. The classic histopathologic features of caseous necrosis, epithelioid granulomas, and Langhans giant cells were seen in all cases, while staining for acid fast bacilli was positive in only one case. All patients underwent nerve exploration and lesion resection, and were given antitubercular treatment lasting between 3 and 18 months. Treatment resulted in complete recovery in 43% of cases and partial improvement of neurologic deficits in 57%. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculoma of the peripheral nerve is a rare manifestation of tuberculous disease, with a predilection for the ulnar nerve. Current management includes nerve exploration, lesion resection, and antitubercular treatment, which often results in good neurologic recovery.

Intensified adjunctive corticosteroid therapy for CNS tuberculomas.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculomas are a challenging manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis often leading to neurological complications and post-treatment sequelae. The role of adjunctive corticosteroid treatment is not fully understood. Most guidelines on management of tuberculosis do not distinguish between tuberculous meningitis and CNS tuberculomas in terms of corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: We describe five patients with CNS tuberculomas who required intensified dexamethasone treatment for several months, in two cases up to 18 months. RESULTS: These patients were initially treated with the standard four-drug tuberculosis regimen and adjuvant dexamethasone. Neurological symptoms improved rapidly. However, multiple attempts to reduce or discontinue corticosteroids according to guideline recommendations led to clinical deterioration with generalized seizures or new CNS lesions. Thus, duration of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy was extended eventually leading to clinical cure and resolution of lesions. CONCLUSION: In contrast to tuberculous meningitis, the treatment for CNS tuberculomas appears to require a prolonged administration of corticosteroids. These findings need to be verified in controlled clinical studies.

Extradural Dumbbell-Shaped Tuberculoma Masquerading as Nerve Sheath Tumor: Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Spinal tuberculosis has been listed as a rare cause of neuroforaminal widening with only 2 previous reports in the literature. Here, we report the third case of an extradural tuberculoma extending through and expanding the neural foramen closely masquerading as a nerve sheath tumor including, to the best of our knowledge, the first description of magnetic resonance imaging, operative, and histopathology findings. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old Nigerian man presented with signs and symptoms of worsening thoracic myeloradiculopathy for the past month. Imaging found an extradural dumbbell-shaped lesion involving the spinal canal, neural foramen, and paraspinal area with a combination of solid and cystic components causing bony remodeling of the pedicle and vertebral body, as well as enlargement of the neural foramen. Surgery was performed to resect the mass, and pathology postoperatively demonstrated caseating granulomas, rare thin elongated organisms on Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and involvement of nerve fascicles. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that a tuberculoma can have many of the features of a benign neoplasm, such as encapsulation, appearance of a slow rate of growth, and development of necrosis or even cystic degeneration. With the specific findings of entrapped nerve fascicles, we postulate that the lesion represents a nerve sheath tuberculoma rather than spinal tuberculosis of the pedicle or posterior elements. Furthermore, only a lesion of the nerve sheath would have the characteristic dumbbell appearance as it extends through the foramen.