Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026

In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
Published on: December 2, 2012
Neurological manifestations of TB-IRIS: a report of 4 children
Ronald van Toorn1, Helena Rabie, Angela Dramowski
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zyl Avenue, Tygerberg 7550, Western Cape, South Africa. vtoorn@sun.ac.za
Introduction:
Tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) is a potentially life-threatening complication in HIV infected children with tuberculosis (TB) of the central nervous system. HIV-associated TB-IRIS has not been previously described in children with neurotuberculosis.
Objective:
To describe the neurological and neuro-radiological features of 4 consecutive cases of TB-IRIS in children with neurotuberculosis and to discuss possible management strategies.
Results:
Three patients treated for tuberculosis of the central nervous system experienced paradoxical worsening of neurological symptoms when combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was initiated. Intracranial tuberculomas were unmasked in the 4th patient. All patients developed new neurological signs within 10 days of cART initiation. Neurological symptoms and signs included headache, seizures, meningeal irritation, decreased level of consciousness, ataxia and focal motor deficit. Interventions included the temporary discontinuation of cART and the use of corticosteroids in all patients. Three patients received thalidomide and 1 chloroquine and mycophenolate mofetil. One patient died and the others experienced prolonged hospitalization.
Conclusion:
TB-IRIS should be considered when new neurological signs develop shortly after initiation of cART in children. There is little data to guide the timing of initiation of cART and the management of complications in children.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...