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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
09:35
Isolating Central Nervous System Tissues and Associated Meninges for the Downstream Analysis of Immune cells
Published on: May 19, 2020
Tuberculous meningitis with spinal tuberculous arachnoiditis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|January 28, 2003
Summary
Tuberculous meningitis can lead to spinal cord issues like arachnoiditis and compression. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including corticosteroids, are crucial for managing this serious neurological complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Tuberculous meningitis is a severe central nervous system infection.
- Complications can include hydrocephalus and spinal cord involvement.
- Early recognition and comprehensive management are vital.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman presented with confusion and fever, diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis and acute hydrocephalus.
- She later developed lower limb weakness and urinary retention.
- Thoracic spine MRI revealed tuberculous arachnoiditis with cord compression.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention (ventriculoperitoneal shunt, decompressive laminectomy) was performed.
- Anti-tuberculosis therapy and high-dose systemic corticosteroids were administered.
- The patient's neurological deficits indicated significant spinal cord compromise.
Implications:
- Highlights the necessity of high clinical suspicion for tuberculous arachnoiditis.
- Emphasizes the critical role of high-dose corticosteroids in the treatment protocol.
- Underscores the importance of multi-modal treatment for tuberculous meningitis complications.
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