Tuberculoma of the cavernous sinus: case report

Abstract

Objective and importance: The cavernous sinus is an exceptional location for intracranial tuberculomas. A rapid diagnosis, based on pathological findings, improves the prognosis.

Clinical presentation: A case of left cavernous sinus tuberculoma, revealed by frontal headaches and ipsilateral palsies of Cranial Nerves III and V, in a 48-year-old patient is reported. The lesion mimicked an aggressive meningioma in radiological examinations.

Intervention: The lesion was excised through a subtemporal approach. The diagnosis was based on the pathological examination of the mass. Postoperative antituberculous chemotherapy completed the treatment. Neurological symptoms regressed rapidly.

Conclusion: Although the incidence of intracranial tuberculomas is decreasing in developed countries, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for the diagnosis of intracranial masses in the presence of risk factors for tuberculosis.