Calvarial tuberculosis
Reid first reported calvarial tuberculosis (TB) in 1842. Cranial and epidural tuberculosis are infrequent manifestations of extrapulmonary TB 1).
The most common sites affected are the frontal and parietal bones with the destruction of both the inner and outer table 2).
Although calvarial tuberculosis is rare, the possibility of this disease should be considered when patients report previous histories of tuberculosis or are from areas in which the disease is endemic. Surgery is indicated in cases with associated neurological deficits or sinus formation. Antituberculous therapy should be continued for 18 months 3)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome complicating calvarial tuberculosis 4).
Case reports
A young male presented with scalp swelling in the right temporal region with pus discharging sinus after an episode of tooth extraction for dental infection. Radiology revealed a loculated swelling within the right temporalis muscle and an associated bony defect in the right parietal bone. The patient was operated upon and the biopsy was suggestive of tubercular pathology. The patient improved on antitubercular therapy. The rare presentation of calvarial TB occurring secondary to dental infection along with relevant literature is discussed here 5).