Case report: Hypothalamic tuberculoma associated with secondary panhypopituitarism

Tuberculosis of the central nervous system remains quite rare in developed countries, accounting for only 0.53% of cases of tuberculosis in the United States. The most common form of intracranial tuberculosis is tuberculous meningitis; however, involvement may also take the form of a solid granulomatous mass (tuberculoma), which accounts for 15% to 30% of the neurosurgical cases in developing countries. An unusual case of a hypothalamic tuberculoma is presented in a man, who initially presented with signs and symptoms consistent with panhypopituitarism. Brain biopsy on two occasions confirmed caseating granuloma, and treatment with several antituberculous medications led to clinical improvement and radiographic resolution of the disease.