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18F-FDG PET/CT of Tuberculosis Meningitis and Carotid Pseudoaneurysm

Kasturi Rangan1, Mudalsha Ravina, Nitin Yadav

  • 1From the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Insights

A young woman with a history of tuberculosis developed neurological symptoms and a neck mass. Imaging revealed a carotid artery aneurysm and brain tuberculomas, confirming active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) can present with diverse extrapulmonary manifestations.
  • Disseminated tuberculosis poses diagnostic challenges, especially when involving vascular structures.
  • Drug-induced hepatitis necessitates careful regimen modification in TB treatment.

Observation:

  • A 26-year-old woman with prior abdominal and miliary tuberculosis presented with headache, hemiparesis, and a pulsatile neck mass.
  • Neck ultrasound identified a saccular aneurysm between the common carotid arteries.
  • Brain MRI demonstrated multiple tuberculomas and basal meningeal enhancement.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis positivity.
  • F-FDG PET/CT imaging was utilized to assess the full extent of the disseminated disease.
  • The case highlights a rare association between tuberculosis and carotid artery aneurysm.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering disseminated tuberculosis in patients with unusual neurological and vascular findings.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of complex TB cases.
  • Multimodality imaging plays a vital role in delineating the extent of disease and guiding treatment strategies.

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