Tuberculous brain abscess in a patient with AIDS: case report and literature review

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2003 Mar-Apr;45(2):111-4. doi: 10.1590/s0036-46652003000200013. Epub 2003 May 14.

Abstract

Tuberculous brain abscesses in AIDS patients are considered rare with only eight cases reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 34-year-old woman with AIDS and previous toxoplasmic encephalitis who was admitted due to headache and seizures. A brain computed tomography scan disclosed a frontal hypodense lesion with a contrast ring enhancement. Brain abscess was suspected and she underwent a lesion puncture through a trepanation. The material extracted was purulent and the acid-fast smear was markedly positive. Timely medical and surgical approaches allowed a good outcome. Tuberculous abscesses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal brain lesions in AIDS patients. Surgical excision or stereotactic aspiration, and antituberculous treatment are the mainstay in the management of these uncommon lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Adult
  • Brain Abscess / complications*
  • Brain Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Abscess / surgery
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial / complications*
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial / diagnostic imaging
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial / surgery