# Tuberculosis presenting as Anterior Mediastinal Mass: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 20-year-old woman with tuberculosis presented with an unusual anterior mediastinal mass, highlighting the need to consider TB in such cases.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare manifestation of tuberculosis as an anterior mediastinal mass in an immunocompetent individual.

## Key findings

- Tuberculosis can present as an anterior mediastinal mass, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Histopathological confirmation is essential for diagnosing tubercular masses.
- Treatment may require both antituberculosis therapy and surgical intervention.

## Abstract

The mediastinum, located between the pleural sacs, has three compartments. The anterior mediastinum spans anteriorly from the sternum to the pericardium and brachiocephalic vessels posteriorly.Common lesions in this area include thymomas, lymphomas, teratomatous neoplasms, and thyroid masses. A mediastinal mass in the setting of tuberculous meningoencephalitis is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis. We present a case of a 20-year-old girl with fever and headache diagnosed with tuberculous meningoencephalitis. A thorough workup revealed an anterior mediastinal mass, histopathologically diagnosed as tubercular in origin. Treatment involved surgery and antituberculosis therapy. Tuberculosis can manifest uniquely, and an isolated mediastinal mass, especially in an immunocompetent individual, is unusual. Treatment typically involves a combination of antimicrobial medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address complications or persistent masses. This case emphasizes the importance of considering tuberculosis as a diagnosis when a patient presents with a mass in the anterior mediastinum.