Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis) associated with tuberculous meningitis
Verajit Chotmongkol1, Amnaj Kitkuandee, Panita Limpawattana
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Summary
A young man with progressive quadriparesis had tuberculous meningitis and myelitis. Despite treatment and surgery for a spinal arachnoid cyst, his condition persisted, with M. tuberculosis confirmed in CSF.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Tuberculosis can manifest with severe neurological complications, including meningitis and myelitis.
- Progressive neurological deficits necessitate thorough investigation, even with a history of treated tuberculosis.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old presented with quadriparesis, preceded by miliary tuberculosis, tuberculous meningitis, and myelitis.
- Cervical spinal MRI revealed an arachnoid cyst compressing the spinal cord and evidence of myelitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, high protein, and low glucose.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid culture confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, sensitive to anti-tuberculous drugs.
- Surgical removal of the arachnoid cyst did not lead to neurological improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex neurological sequelae of tuberculosis.
- Persistent neurological deficits despite treatment may indicate ongoing or resistant tuberculous processes.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for tuberculous neurological complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...