Tuberculous meningitis with spinal tuberculous arachnoiditis.

Abstract

This report is of a 36-year-old woman who initially presented with confusion and fever. Subsequent investigations showed tuberculous meningitis with acute hydrocephalus. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt was performed and anti-tuberculosis therapy was given. The patient was later noticed to have weakness of both lower limbs and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed radiological features of tuberculous arachnoiditis with cord compression. Decompressive laminectomy was performed and high-dose systemic corticosteroid was given. A high level of awareness is required when diagnosing tuberculous arachnoiditis and the importance of high-dose corticosteroid in the treatment regimen is emphasised.

• Authors: T L Poon, W S Ho, K Y Pang, C K Wong
• Journal: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi (Hong Kong Med J) Vol. 9 Issue 1 Pg. 59-61 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 1024-2708 [Print] China
• PMID: 12547960 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Antitubercular Agents

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Antitubercular Agents (therapeutic use)
• Arachnoiditis (complications, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrocephalus (etiology)
• Laminectomy
• Spinal Cord Compression (etiology)
• Tuberculosis, Meningeal (complications, therapy)