Epithelioid cell cluster in cerebrospinal fluid: an unusual finding in tubercular meningitis.

Tubercular meningitis is one of the serious manifestations of tuberculosis. It remains a significant contributor to the morbidity and mortality in children. Meningeal involvement in tuberculosis is detected by physical, chemical and cytological examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The cytological picture of CSF in tubercular meningitis is quite similar to that of viral meningitis showing a mixed population of lymphoid series cells. The presence of epithelioid cell cluster is very rare finding. We present here such a case of 2(1/2) yr old boy who presented with fever off and on for 2 months and altered sensorium along with vomiting for 2-3 days.