Magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of childhood central nervous system tuberculosis

We investigated the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis.

The MRI findings (T1, T2 and T1 sequence after contrast) of 11 children with CNS tuberculosis were evaluated and the diagnostic value of contrast enhanced MRI and its correlation with the clinical findings were investigated.

The median age of the patients was 6 years; seven were male and four female. MRI findings of the cases were meningeal enhancement (90.9%), hydrocephalus (63.6%), infarction (45.5%), tuberculomas (27.2%), cranial nerve involvement (27.2%) and severe cortical atrophy (9.1%). MRI provided early diagnosis in two cases by demonstrating tuberculomas, and supported the diagnosis in seven cases. However, in two cases MRI findings were inadequate to diagnose CNS tuberculosis, especially at the beginning.

Contrast enhanced MRI is a very useful technique for diagnosing CNS tuberculosis, particularly by demonstrating the localized lesions, meningeal enhancement and the brain stem. However, a family history of tuberculosis, chest X-ray findings and the clinical picture are still very important for diagnosis.