Tuberculous abscess of the brain stem.

Three cases of tuberculous abscess of the brain stem were treated with excision of the abscess supplemented with antitubercular therapy for 12 to 18 months. The lesions were frankly purulent and tubercle bacilli were demonstrated in the pus. A computed tomography scan demonstrated the site and extent of the lesion. Two of three patients developed the abscess during the course of antitubercular therapy for associated tubercular lesions. In spite of modern antitubercular treatment the abscess did not resolve and surgical excision had to be employed as a curative treatment.