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

Authors

  • José E. Vidal Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas
  • Sérgio Cimerman Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas
  • Paula R. Marques da Silva Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas
  • Jaques Sztajnbok Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas
  • João F.G.S. Coelho Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas
  • Diogo L.M. Lins Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas

Keywords:

Tuberculous abscess, Brain abscess, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

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.

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Published

2003-04-01

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

Vidal, J. E., Cimerman, S., Silva, P. R. M. da, Sztajnbok, J., Coelho, J. F., & Lins, D. L. (2003). Tuberculous brain abscess in a patient with AIDS: case report and literature review . Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De São Paulo, 45(2), 111-114. https://revistas.usp.br/rimtsp/article/view/30691