# Pontine Tuberculoma Mimicking an Astrocytic Tumor: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of a brainstem tuberculoma was initially mistaken for a tumor but was successfully treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy.

## Contribution

This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of pontine tuberculoma mimicking astrocytic tumors.

## Key findings

- MRI initially suggested a pontine astrocytoma, but a biopsy identified acid-fast bacilli.
- The patient recovered after six months of anti-tuberculous treatment.

## Abstract

Tuberculomas located in the brainstem are rare entities. This article presents a case study detailing the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with a pontine tuberculoma, as well as a literature review of tuberculomas located in the pons. A 39-year-old male patient showed progressive quadriparesis and deficits in VII, XI, and XII cranial nerves. MRI image initially suggested a pontine astrocytoma. A second biopsy revealed the presence of acid-fast bacilli. Following six months of anti-tuberculous treatment, the patient showed successful recovery.