Primary giant granulomatous basal meningitis: an unusual presentation of tuberculosis

A case of granulomatous tuberculous meningitis in a 3-year-old child without any known primary disease in any other organ is presented. Tuberculous meningitis is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis and is characterized by diffuse or circumscribed granulomatous involvement of the meninges, particularly at the base of the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the worst events it can bring and to improve the chances of survival. Diagnosis remains difficult because of the lack of reliable clinical diagnostic criteria. Received: 26 November 1996 Revised: 16 June 1997