Tuberculous osteitis of the skull in a child

Abstract

Tuberculosis is endemic in developing countries. However, skull tuberculosis is uncommon with few cases reported in the literature. We report a 10-year-old boy admitted for a left parietal painless swelling. A CT scan demonstrated a left parietal bony defect, destroying both inner and outer tables. This was associated with an enhanced epidural collection and scalp swelling. The patient was operated, and the microscopic examination revealed typical tuberculosis granuloma. The clinical presentation and management of this rare location of tuberculosis are discussed.