Tuberculosis masquerading as a cystic mass

Abstract

Patients with a tuberculoma typically present with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and have risk factors for TB. The risk factors for TB include contact with an infectious case with a high bacillary load, immunosuppressive conditions, malnutrition, young age, diabetes mellitus, working in health care, recent incarceration, alcohol use, and tobacco use. Although rare, it is possible for a patient to present with a tuberculoma despite the absence of risk factors for TB and without pulmonary involvement.