A Rare Case of Multifocal Intracranial Gangliogliomas: Mimicking Tuberculomas

Abstract

Gangliogliomas (GGs) are rare tumors of the central nervous system occurring in the young population (8.5-25 years). GGs are one of the most common cause of epilepsy associated with CNS tumors and significant proportion of them is refractory to antiepileptic medications. Multifocal gangliogliomas are very rare and only few handful cases are reported. A rare case of multiple spinal ganglioglioma has also been reported in the literature. We present a case of an adolescent girl who presented with multiple episodes of seizures. She was initially evaluated and diagnosed with multiple tuberculomas. She was managed with antiepileptics and antitubercular medications. Her seizure frequency had decreased; but despite prolonged and complete course of anti-tubercular treatment, the lesions were not subsiding in size. Antitubercular medications were restarted and subsequent scan showed progression in the size of the lesions; and hence biopsy was done from the largest lesion. Histopathology was suggestive of GG. Ganglioglioma can be multifocal and can mimic other lesions like tuberculosis, radiologically. Surgical excision of the lesion provides the best treatment option. It is still under consideration whether to remove all of the lesions or only ones with considerable size. She had another episode of seizure and is now planned for surgical excision of the other lesion.