[Tuberculous meningitis in Chinese adults: a report of 100 cases]

To investigate the clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes, imaging characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment regimens and outcomes of Chinese adult patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

Clinical data of 100 cases of TBM admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1982 to December 2003 were investigated retrospectively. Data were collected with regard to the clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics of the patients as well as the results of radiological investigations and data of clinical outcome.

One hundred TBM cases were included in this study; there were 49 males and 51 females. The mean age was (31 +/- 11) years. Seventy percent of the patients was of chronic duration (11.1 +/- 9.2) weeks. Thirteen cases were definitely diagnosed through positive CSF culture and smear or brain biopsy, the remaining 87 cases were diagnosed clinically. Fever (97%), headache (92%), decreased level of consciousness (71%), meningeal irritation (77%) and impairment of cranial nerve function were the most frequent symptoms and signs. Thirty-five cases were accompanied with active pulmonary tuberculosis and 12 cases with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Raised intracranial pressure was present in 86%. CSF was non-purulent with lymphocytic pleocytosis, marked elevation of protein concentration and significant decrease of glucose. Sixty-seven cases had imaging data; abnormalities were found in 52 with ventricular enlargement, hydrocephalus and infarction the most frequent findings. All the patients received anti-tuberculosis therapy, nine underwent neurosurgical drain due to hydrocephalus, eighty-one improved and seven died.

TBM should be suspected when chronic meningitis was accompanied with active pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Differential diagnosis and trial anti-tuberculosis therapy may be of help for the diagnosis. Positive CSF smear and culture and biopsy of brain or meninges are the golden standards for the diagnosis of TBM. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for improving the outcome.