Neurobrucellosis Presenting as Pseudotumor Cerebri: First Report from Oman

Abstract

A ten-year-old boy presented to the hospital with body ache and joint pains for two months and headache, vomiting, and skin rash for three days. He was drowsy and lethargic at admission. Physical examination revealed bilateral papilledema. There were no cranial nerve involvement, neuromotor deficit, or signs of meningeal irritation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any evidence of cerebral edema or space occupying lesion. In view of the high endemicity of brucellosis in the area, Brucella agglutination test (BAT) was done at the time of admission and was negative. However, on the eighth day of admission, blood culture showed growth of Brucella melitensis. A repeat BAT at this time was strongly positive with a titer of 1:1 280. The initial one was negative due to prozone phenomenon caused by very high antibody titers. A diagnosis of neurobrucellosis with pseudotumor cerebri was made. He was treated with gentamicin, rifampicin, and septrin along with acetazolamide for raised intracranial pressure. The boy responded well to therapy and made a complete clinical recovery with resolution of papilledema. In areas endemic for brucellosis, a high index of suspicion for neurobrucellosis should be entertained in any child presenting with diverse neurological signs.