Tuberculoma of the cavernous sinus mimicking a meningioma: case report and review of the literature

J Neurol Sci. 2009 Mar 15;278(1-2):123-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2008.11.022. Epub 2009 Jan 6.

Abstract

Cavernous sinus involvement of tuberculosis is rare; only seven cases have been reported in the literature to date. Many factors make the diagnosis difficult in this location, necessitating a surgical procedure. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a left cavernous sinus syndrome clinically. The lesion mimicked a meningioma of the cavernous sinus in radiological examinations. It was entirely excised through a subtemporal approach. Histopathological examination revealed caseating granuloma and the diagnosis of tuberculoma was established. Postoperative antituberculous drugs completed the treatment and led to complete resolution of neurological symptoms. In our paper, we emphasize the rarity of the lesion in this location, we review all the cases previously published underlining the main epidemiological, clinical, radiological, therapeutic and prognostic features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cavernous Sinus / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Granuloma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningioma / diagnosis*
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculoma, Intracranial / pathology