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Palackdkharry CS, Wottrich S, Dienes E, Bydon M, Steinmetz MP, Traynelis VC. The leptomeninges as a critical organ for normal CNS development and function: First patient and public involved systematic review of arachnoiditis (chronic meningitis). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274634. [PMID: 36178925 PMCID: PMC9524710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & IMPORTANCE This patient and public-involved systematic review originally focused on arachnoiditis, a supposedly rare "iatrogenic chronic meningitis" causing permanent neurologic damage and intractable pain. We sought to prove disease existence, causation, symptoms, and inform future directions. After 63 terms for the same pathology were found, the study was renamed Diseases of the Leptomeninges (DLMs). We present results that nullify traditional clinical thinking about DLMs, answer study questions, and create a unified path forward. METHODS The prospective PRISMA protocol is published at Arcsology.org. We used four platforms, 10 sources, extraction software, and critical review with ≥2 researchers at each phase. All human sources to 12/6/2020 were eligible for qualitative synthesis utilizing R. Weekly updates since cutoff strengthen conclusions. RESULTS Included were 887/14286 sources containing 12721 DLMs patients. Pathology involves the subarachnoid space (SAS) and pia. DLMs occurred in all countries as a contributor to the top 10 causes of disability-adjusted life years lost, with communicable diseases (CDs) predominating. In the USA, the ratio of CDs to iatrogenic causes is 2.4:1, contradicting arachnoiditis literature. Spinal fusion surgery comprised 54.7% of the iatrogenic category, with rhBMP-2 resulting in 2.4x more DLMs than no use (p<0.0001). Spinal injections and neuraxial anesthesia procedures cause 1.1%, and 0.2% permanent DLMs, respectively. Syringomyelia, hydrocephalus, and arachnoid cysts are complications caused by blocked CSF flow. CNS neuron death occurs due to insufficient arterial supply from compromised vasculature and nerves traversing the SAS. Contrast MRI is currently the diagnostic test of choice. Lack of radiologist recognition is problematic. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION DLMs are common. The LM clinically functions as an organ with critical CNS-sustaining roles involving the SAS-pia structure, enclosed cells, lymphatics, and biologic pathways. Cases involve all specialties. Causes are numerous, symptoms predictable, and outcomes dependent on time to treatment and extent of residual SAS damage. An international disease classification and possible treatment trials are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Wottrich
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Erin Dienes
- Arcsology®, Mead, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Health Services Research, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Steinmetz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Neurologic Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Vincent C. Traynelis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Jiang Y, Xu X, Guo Z, Liu Y, Lin J, Suo L, Jiang Y, Liu B, Lu T. Myelitis: A Common Complication of Tuberculous Meningitis Predicting Poor Outcome. Front Neurol 2022; 13:830029. [PMID: 35370906 PMCID: PMC8965833 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.830029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMyelitis is an important complication in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). However, a paucity of publications exists on the spectrum of neurological and MRI findings of TBM-related myelitis. The risk factors and prognosis of myelitis in patients with TBM are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk factors, clinicoradiological features, and prognostic impact of myelitis for patients with TBM.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in our institution. Patients with TBM who were consecutively admitted during the period of August 2015 to December 2019 were included. We reviewed the demographic characteristics, clinical, laboratory and MRI findings, and clinical outcomes of all of the included patients. The diagnosis of myelitis was identified by a hyperintensity on T2-weighted images that were associated with cord edema, enlargement, and marginal or no enhancement on contrast-enhanced images.ResultsA total of 114 patients were included. Myelitis occurred in 19 (16.7%) patients, five of whom paradoxically developed myelitis. The common clinical signs of myelitis were paraparesis (738.9%), quadriparesis (844.4%), urinary retention or constipation (1,477.8%), and paresthesias in the lower limbs (1,052.6%). In the MRI findings, the hyperintensities on T2-weighted images involved more than 3 spinal cord segments. Myelitis was often combined with other forms of spinal cord injury, including 10 patients (52.6%) with spinal meningeal enhancement, 7 patients (36.8%) with enlargement of the central canal of the spinal cord, 6 patients (31.6%) with tuberculoma, and 4 patients (21.1%) with arachnoiditis and 1 patient (5.3%) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loculations. None of the 5 patients with paradoxical myelitis were complicated with spinal meningeal enhancement and arachnoiditis, while 4 patients were complicated with enlargements of the central canal of the spinal cord. In multivariable analysis, a grade III disease severity on admission [p = 0.003, odds ratio (OR) = 8.131, 95% CI: 2.080–31.779] and high CSF protein (p = 0.033, OR = 1.698, 95% CI: 1.043–2.763) were independent risk factors for myelitis. After the 6 months follow-up, myelitis (p = 0.030, OR = 13.297, 95% CI: 1.283–137.812) and disturbance of consciousness (p = 0.042, OR = 12.625, 95% CI: 1.092–145.903) were independent risk factors for poor outcomes.ConclusionMyelitis was a common complication of TBM and independently predicted a poor outcome. A grade III disease severity and high CSF protein on admission were independent risk factors for myelitis. Paradoxical myelitis was rarely complicated with spinal meningeal enhancements and arachnoiditis, indicating that the immune reaction may play a dominant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangqin Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoxin Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Suo
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Respiratory Infection and Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zibo City Engineering Technology Research Center of Etiology Molecular Diagnosis, Zibo Municipal Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Zibo City Key Laboratory of Respiratory Infection and Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zibo City Engineering Technology Research Center of Etiology Molecular Diagnosis, Zibo Municipal Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Tingting Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Tingting Lu
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Saxena D, Pinto DS, Tandon AS, Hoisala R. MRI findings in tubercular radiculomyelitis. eNeurologicalSci 2021; 22:100316. [PMID: 33604460 PMCID: PMC7875821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to familiarize the reader with the MR imaging findings of tubercular radiculomyelitis (TBRM) and to identify the sources of infection. We evaluated 29 patients on a 1.5 T GE MRI in a cross-sectional study. MRI of the spine with contrast and lumbar puncture were performed in all patients. MRI brain was performed for 13 patients. The typical and atypical manifestations enlisted in this article, will enable early detection of TBRM when the clinical history is ambiguous, as TBRM can present with low backache in both retrovirus positive and negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepali Saxena
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India
| | - Denver Steven Pinto
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India
| | - Anisha S. Tandon
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India
| | - Ravi Hoisala
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India
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Katrak SM. Central nervous system tuberculosis. J Neurol Sci 2020; 421:117278. [PMID: 33387702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the many facets of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB). The entities described are tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and its complications, spinal cord disorders, tuberculomas and co-infection with the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV). The latter has become a common problem worldwide becoming a more fulminant disease. The accuracy of the conventional and the modern molecular techniques for the diagnosis of TBM have a high specificity but a low to moderate sensitivity. Computerised tomographic scans and magnetic resonance imaging have many characteristic features which have vastly improved the diagnostic accuracy of CNS-TB. The recommended therapeutic regimens are an extrapolation of the regimen used for pulmonary TB, hence the optimal composition, dosage and duration of the therapy are not yet established. Multidrug resistant TB is emerging as a global threat and the delay in recognition of drug resistance combined with the lack of data on appropriate drug regimen adds to its high mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarosh M Katrak
- Prof. Emeritus, Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Emeritus Director, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, India.
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Park JY, Choi I, Khil EK, Kim WJ, Shin IY. Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis with Spinal Cord Lesion: A Case Report. Korean J Neurotrauma 2020; 16:367-373. [PMID: 33163452 PMCID: PMC7607016 DOI: 10.13004/kjnt.2020.16.e17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a rare, diffuse inflammatory fibrosis of the dura mater that can lead to spinal cord compression. Though the optimal treatment is controversial, some reports recommend decompressive surgery and postoperative steroid therapy. However, we encountered a case of pachymeningitis that worsened after decompressive surgery. A 79-year-old woman presented with gait disturbance and bilateral lower extremity weakness that began 6 months prior. She had radiating pain on the C5 and T1 dermatomes and clumsiness in both hands. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed diffuse thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament of C6 to T4/5 and ligamentum flavum of C3/4 to T4/5, causing central canal stenosis and compressive myelopathy. She underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy from C4 to T1 total (T2 subtotal) and cervicothoracic screw fixation. During surgery, we found severe adhesion of the posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum to the dura mater. Chronic inflammation with fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration were present. After surgery, the patient's motor weakness worsened. Despite steroid treatment, her symptom severity fluctuated. Follow-up MRI obtained 3 months postoperation revealed high signal intensity from C5 to T2, possibly indicating aggravated compressive myelopathy. Thus, in this case, decompressive surgery and steroid therapy were detrimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae yeon Park
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Il Choi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Khil
- Department of Radiology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Wu Jae Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Il Young Shin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwaseong, Korea
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Long B, Liang SY, Koyfman A, Gottlieb M. Tuberculosis: a focused review for the emergency medicine clinician. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 38:1014-1022. [PMID: 31902701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuberculosis (TB) is a common disease worldwide, affecting nearly one-third of the world's population. While TB has decreased in frequency in the United States, it remains an important infection to diagnose and treat. OBJECTIVE This narrative review discusses the evaluation and management of tuberculosis, with an emphasis on those factors most relevant for the emergency clinician. DISCUSSION TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is highly communicable through aerosolized particles. A minority of patients will develop symptomatic, primary disease. Most patients will overcome the initial infection or develop a latent infection, which can reactivate. Immunocompromised states increase the risk of primary and reactivation TB. Symptoms include fever, prolonged cough, weight loss, and hemoptysis. Initial diagnosis often includes a chest X-ray, followed by serial sputum cultures. If the patient has a normal immune system and a normal X-ray, active TB can be excluded. Newer tests, including nucleic acid amplification testing, can rapidly diagnose active TB with high sensitivity. Treatment for primary and reactivation TB differs from latent TB. Extrapulmonary forms can occur in a significant proportion of patients and involve a range of different organ systems. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus are high-risk and require specific considerations. CONCLUSIONS TB is a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The emergency clinician must consider TB in the appropriate setting, based on history and examination. Accurate diagnosis and rapid therapy can improve patient outcomes and reduce the spread of this communicable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 3841 Roger Brooke Dr, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, United States.
| | - Stephen Y Liang
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States; Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Alex Koyfman
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, United States
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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Tandon PN. Management of tuberculosis of the central nervous system: Our experience. NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2019; 31:151-155. [PMID: 31044762 DOI: 10.4103/0970-258x.255758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P N Tandon
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029; National Brain Research Society, Manesar, Haryana, India
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8
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Zheng X, Wu X. Diagnosis and Management of Intraspinal Tuberculoma with Giant Paraspinal Abscesses. World Neurosurg 2019; 127:481-484. [PMID: 31029821 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.04.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although tuberculosis is rare in the west, in recent years, it's becoming more and more common in China. Intraspinal tuberculoma is extremely rare, but it's an important cause of morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning is an effective method for the diagnosis of intraspinal tuberculoma. CASE DESCRIPTION This case report shows an intraspinal tuberculoma with giant paraspinal abscesses in a 28-year-old female patient with subacute progressing neurologic deficit. L1-L5 laminectomy was performed, followed by extensively excision of intraspinal and paraspinal lesion. Antituberculous treatment was carried out after pathologic diagnosis. An excellent clinical outcome was obtained. Within 24 hours of the surgical procedure, muscle weakness in both lower extremities started to improve. Three days later, the patient felt muscle strength recovered significantly, with grade 4/5 in the lower limbs in 2 weeks. Six weeks later, the patient was able to walk without assistance. CONCLUSIONS The case was treated by surgical excision of an intraspinal and a paraspinal lesion followed by normal quadruple antituberculous therapy. Although intraspinal tuberculoma is a rare entity, it can be effectively diagnosed on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging scanning and treated by the combination of medical and surgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Zheng
- Department of Stomatology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Beck ES, Ramachandran PS, Khan LM, Sample HA, Zorn KC, O'Connell EM, Nash T, Reich DS, Venkatesan A, DeRisi JL, Nath A, Wilson MR. Clinicopathology conference: 41-year-old woman with chronic relapsing meningitis. Ann Neurol 2019; 85:161-169. [PMID: 30565288 PMCID: PMC6370480 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Beck
- National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Prashanth S Ramachandran
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lillian M Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hannah A Sample
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kelsey C Zorn
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elise M O'Connell
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Theodore Nash
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Daniel S Reich
- National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Arun Venkatesan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Michael R Wilson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Yao G, Lu Y, Hu Z, Yao H, Zhang Q, Zhu H, Song Z, Wang W, Liu D. Paradoxical reaction in HIV-negative tuberculous meningitis patients with spinal involvement. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 79:104-108. [PMID: 30529369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of paradoxical reaction (PR) in HIV-negative tuberculous meningitis (TBM) patients with spinal involvement, as well as its possible risk factors. METHODS Fifty TBM patients with spinal involvement were studied retrospectively and divided into a PR group and a non-PR group according to the presence of PR. Their demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory data, and status at follow-up were collected and compared. RESULTS PR developed in 26 patients (52%), with the median time to the development of PR being 30days (range 15-330 days) after the initiation of tuberculosis therapy. At initial diagnosis, age, documented acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and the cerebrospinal fluid protein level were found to differ significantly between the two groups. After multivariate analysis, age, documented AFB, and vertebral involvement were significantly associated with the development of PR. CONCLUSIONS PR was common in TBM patients with spinal involvement. Age, documented AFB, and musculoskeletal involvement may be predictors of PR development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guang Yao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuying Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongyang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Yao
- Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhi Song
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ding Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Abstract
Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) takes three clinical forms: meningitis (TBM), intracranial tuberculoma, and spinal arachnoiditis. TBM predominates in the western world and presents as a subacute to chronic meningitis syndrome with a prodrome of malaise, fever, and headache progressing to altered mentation and focal neurologic signs, followed by stupor, coma, and death within five to eight weeks of onset. The CSF formula typically shows a lymphocytic pleocytosis, and low glucose and high protein concentrations. Diagnosis rests on serial samples of CSF for smear and culture, combined with CSF PCR. Brain CT and MRI aid in diagnosis, assessment for complications, and monitoring of the clinical course. In a patient with compatible clinical features, the combination of meningeal enhancement and any degree of hydrocephalus is strongly suggestive of TBM. Vasculitis leading to infarcts in the basal ganglia occurs commonly and is a major determinant of morbidity and mortality. Treatment is most effective when started in the early stages of disease, and should be initiated promptly on the basis of strong clinical suspicion without waiting for laboratory confirmation. The initial 4 drug regimen (isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) covers the possibility of infection with a resistant strain, maximizes antimicrobial impact, and reduces the likelihood of emerging resistance on therapy. Adjunctive corticosteroid therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in all but late stage disease.
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12
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Evaluation and management of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis: a guide for radiologists. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:960-971. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Jain RS, Kumar S, Tejwani S. A rare association of tuberculous longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) with brain tuberculoma. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:476. [PMID: 26361577 PMCID: PMC4559554 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1232-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is characterized by contiguous inflammatory lesion of spinal cord involving three or more spinal segments. It is a well-recognized but rare presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Case description We report a case of young boy diagnosed with multiple brain tuberculomas. He was on antitubercular drugs therapy for 2 months and became asymptomatic. On 2-month followup visit, the patient complained of acute onset progressive sensorimotor, spastic paraparesis with bladder dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging of spine showed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis extending from thoracic spinal segment T2 to T10 level. He was treated with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone therapy and continued on combination of first line four antitubercular drugs. At 6-month followup, patient was able to walk with support. In our patient, clinical features, previous history of brain tuberculoma and spinal neuroimaging confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculous myelitis. The new onset longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in our patient was may be related to paradoxical response to antitubercular therapy. Conclusions Our case highlights that tubercular infection might be an important but overlooked cause of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Therefore, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to diagnose this potentially treatable cause especially in high-risk conditions like tuberculosis endemic areas, associated brain tuberculosis and HIV infection. Our case is unique because of paradoxical presentation of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis in cranial tuberculomas, already on antitubercular treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Singh Jain
- Department of Neurology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
| | - Shankar Tejwani
- Department of Radiology, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan India
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Garg RK, Malhotra HS, Gupta R. Spinal cord involvement in tuberculous meningitis. Spinal Cord 2015; 53:649-57. [PMID: 25896347 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize the incidence and spectrum of spinal cord-related complications in patients of tuberculous meningitis. SETTING Reports from multiple countries were included. METHODS An extensive review of the literature, published in English, was carried out using Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS Tuberculous meningitis frequently affects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Initial evidence of spinal cord involvement came from post-mortem examination. Subsequent advancement in neuroimaging like conventional lumbar myelography, computed tomographic myelography and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance-myelography have contributed immensely. Spinal involvement manifests in several forms, like tuberculous radiculomyelitis, spinal tuberculoma, myelitis, syringomyelia, vertebral tuberculosis and very rarely spinal tuberculous abscess. Frequently, tuberculous spinal arachnoiditis develops paradoxically. Infrequently, spinal cord involvement may even be asymptomatic. Spinal cord and spinal nerve involvement is demonstrated by diffuse enhancement of cord parenchyma, nerve roots and meninges on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. High cerebrospinal fluid protein content is often a risk factor for arachnoiditis. The most important differential diagnosis of tuberculous arachnoiditis is meningeal carcinomatosis. Anti-tuberculosis therapy is the main stay of treatment for tuberculous meningitis. Higher doses of corticosteroids have been found effective. Surgery should be considered only when pathological confirmation is needed or there is significant spinal cord compression. The outcome in these patients has been unpredictable. Some reports observed excellent recovery and some reported unfavorable outcomes after surgical decompression and debridement. CONCLUSIONS Tuberculous meningitis is frequently associated with disabling spinal cord and radicular complications. Available treatment options are far from satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Garg
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - H S Malhotra
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R Gupta
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Gupta R, Garg RK, Jain A, Malhotra HS, Verma R, Sharma PK. Spinal cord and spinal nerve root involvement (myeloradiculopathy) in tuberculous meningitis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e404. [PMID: 25621686 PMCID: PMC4602633 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the information about spinal cord and nerve root involvement in tuberculous meningitis is available in the form of isolated case reports or case series. In this article, we evaluated the incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of spinal cord and spinal nerve root involvement in tuberculous meningitis.In this prospective study, 71 consecutive patients of newly diagnosed tuberculous meningitis were enrolled. In addition to clinical evaluation, patients were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and spine. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months.Out of 71 patients, 33 (46.4%) had symptoms/signs of spinal cord and spinal nerve root involvement, 22 (30.9%) of whom had symptoms/signs at enrolment. Eleven (15.4%) patients had paradoxical involvement. Paraparesis was present in 22 (31%) patients, which was of upper motor neuron type in 6 (8.4%) patients, lower motor neuron type in 10 (14%) patients, and mixed type in 6 (8.4%) patients. Quadriparesis was present in 3 (4.2%) patients. The most common finding on spinal MRI was meningeal enhancement, seen in 40 (56.3%) patients; in 22 (30.9%), enhancement was present in the lumbosacral region. Other MRI abnormalities included myelitis in 16 (22.5%), tuberculoma in 4 (5.6%), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loculations in 4 (5.6%), cord atrophy in 3 (4.2%), and syrinx in 2 (2.8%) patients. The significant predictor associated with myeloradiculopathy was raised CSF protein (>250 mg/dL). Myeloradiculopathy was significantly associated with poor outcome.In conclusion, spinal cord and spinal nerve root involvement in tuberculous meningitis is common. Markedly raised CSF protein is an important predictor. Patients with myeloradiculopathy have poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Gupta
- From the Department of Neurology (RG, RKG, HSM, RV, PKS); and Department of Microbiology (AJ), King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Abstract
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis most commonly involves the bones and the spine. The present case is that of a young boy who presented with acute onset paraplegia without any pre-existant complaints of cough with sputum, fever, night sweats or weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Pande
- Department of Medicine, Subharti Institute of Medical Sciences, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
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17
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Abstract
Peripheral nerve disorders are associated with all stages of HIV infection. Distal sensory polyneuropathy is characterised by often-disabling pain that is difficult to treat. It is prevalent in both high-income and low-income settings. In low-income settings, use of potentially neurotoxic antiretrovirals, which are inexpensive and widely available, contributes substantially to incidence. Research has focused on identification of factors that predict risk of distal sensory polyneuropathy and elucidation of the multifactorial mechanisms behind pathogenesis. Sensorimotor polyneuropathies and polyradiculopathies are less frequent than distal sensory polyneuropathy, but still occur in low-income settings and have potentially devastating consequences. However, many of these diseases can be treated successfully with a combination of antiretroviral and immune-modulating therapies. To distinguish between peripheral nerve disorders that have diverse, overlapping, and frequently atypical presentations can be challenging; a framework based on a clinicoanatomical approach might assist in the diagnosis and management of such disorders.
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Gupta A, Garg RK, Singh MK, Verma R, Malhotra HS, Sankhwar SN, Jain A, Singh R, Parihar A. Bladder dysfunction and urodynamic study in tuberculous meningitis. J Neurol Sci 2013; 327:46-54. [PMID: 23472924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micturitional disturbances in tuberculous meningitis have been reported infrequently and that too without urodynamic studies. Bladder dysfunction in tuberculous meningitis is often considered secondary to tuberculous radiculomyelopathy. We, in this study, evaluated the incidence and pattern of bladder dysfunction in tuberculous meningitis. MATERIALS AND METHOD In this prospective study, 51 patients were included. In addition to clinical evaluation, patients were subjected to a urodynamic study along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain and spine. Patients were followed up for 6 months. A follow-up urodynamic study was performed after 6 months. RESULTS Out of 51 patients, urinary symptoms were present in one-third of the patients. Approximately, 70% (36) of the patients had urodynamic abnormalities. The commonest (22/51) urodynamic abnormality was detrusor hyporeflexia/areflexia. Other urodynamic abnormalities were neurogenic detrusor overactivity in 10, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in 6, normal detrusor activity in 19, reduced bladder sensation in 12, raised cystometric capacity in 9, and larger volumes of post-void residual urine in 12 patients. Six patients were unable to void on command. Three patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity had leak during study. MRI showed spinal meningeal enhancement in 37, lumbosacral arachnoiditis in 25, myelitis in 12 patients, CSF loculations in 6, and cord atrophy in 5 patients. Spinal arachnoiditis and urinary symptoms showed significant association with urodynamic abnormalities. Follow-up urodynamic study showed resolution of urodynamic abnormalities in 72.6% of the patients with treatment. Seven (28%) patients, with normal baseline urodynamic findings, paradoxically developed new abnormalities. CONCLUSION Bladder dysfunctions, in tuberculous meningitis, are frequently encountered. A significant association exists between urodynamic abnormalities and tuberculous lumbosacral arachnoiditis and myeloradiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Gupta
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, India
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19
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Chandra SP, Singh A, Goyal N, Laythalling RK, Singh M, Kale SS, Sharma MS, Suri A, Singh P, Garg A, Sarkar C, Tripathi M, Sharma BS, Mahapatra AK. Analysis of changing paradigms of management in 179 patients with spinal tuberculosis over a 12-year period and proposal of a new management algorithm. World Neurosurg 2013; 80:190-203. [PMID: 23348057 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe management and outcome in a large cohort of patients with spinal tuberculosis (TB). METHODS Of 212 patients with spinal TB treated between January 1999 and June 2011, 179 patients were included in the study (≥6 months follow-up; mean age, 34.8 years; age range, 10-75 years). The cohort was divided into two groups (n = 89 and n = 90); group I was treated from 1999-2003, and group II was treated from 2004-2011. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 93 male patients. Mean age was 34.8 years ± 7.2 (range, 10-75 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 2.4 months. Sensorimotor deficits were present in 167 patients (93.5%; 74 patients were paraplegic), pain was present in 156 patients (87%), bladder involvement was present in 127 patients (71.7%), and extraspinal TB was present in 36 patients (22.3%). Of patients, 92% were receiving prior chemotherapy; one fifth of these patients were on second-line chemotherapy. Thoracic spine involvement was most common (n = 86; 57%), followed by cervical spine (n = 50; 29%), craniovertebral junction (n = 22; 15%), and lumbosacral spine (n = 20; 10.5%). Surgery was performed in 146 patients (68% instrumented fusions and 16% circumferential fusions). Mean follow-up was 20.2 months (range, 6-60 months). Sensorimotor deficits improved in 89% of patients, pain improved in 71%, bladder symptoms improved in 88%, and paraplegia improved in 77%. Patients in group II had a higher incidence of cord compression (P < 0.01), severe vertebral body collapse (P < 0.001), and paraplegia (P < 0.001). Group II patients underwent more instrumented surgeries (P < 0.01), especially circumferential fusions (P < 0.001). The improvement in paraplegia was better after 2004 (group II). Bladder symptoms correlated with the timing of surgery (P < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS Medical treatment of spinal TB is the mainstay; however, radical, instrumented surgeries should be offered when indicated. The presence of paraplegia should not preclude surgery. A practical management paradigm is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarat P Chandra
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Konar SK, Rao KN, Mahadevan A, Devi BI. Tuberculous lumbar arachnoiditis mimicking conus cauda tumor: A case report and review of literature. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2011; 2:93-6. [PMID: 21716842 PMCID: PMC3123009 DOI: 10.4103/0976-3147.80098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous spinal arachnoiditis involving cauda equina is rare. A patient with lumbar tuberculous arachnoiditis in the absence of both vertebral and meningeal tuberculosis, which was mimicking spinal intradural extramedullary tumor is described here. Diagnosis was made based on intraoperative findings and was confirmed by histopathology. Surgical decompression along with a combination of steroid and antitubercular therapy resulted in a good outcome. At 3 months follow-up, the patient regained bladder control and was able to walk with support. Clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative findings are described. Pathology and the relevant literature are discussed. Based on the patient's clinical and radiologic findings, it was believed that the patient had a conus cauda tumor and was operated on. Histologic examination of the mass revealed tuberculoma. Surgical decompression followed by antituberculosis medication resulted in good outcome. Hence tuberculous arachnoiditis should be considered in differential diagnosis of conus cauda tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhas K Konar
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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21
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Anderson N, Somaratne J, Mason D, Holland D, Thomas M. Neurological and systemic complications of tuberculous meningitis and its treatment at Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand. J Clin Neurosci 2010; 17:1114-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2010.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Takahashi H, Wada A, Yokoyama Y, Ishii M, Shibuya K, Suguro T. Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis: a case report. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2010; 18:113-7. [PMID: 20427849 DOI: 10.1177/230949901001800126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 67-year-old man presented with progressive quadriplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord compression by a thickened dura ventral to the cord from C3 to C7. The lesion was isointense on both T1- and T2-weighted images, and showed contrast enhancement on T1-weighted gadorinium-enhanced images. A diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis was confirmed histologically after anterior decompression and fusion. Only partial excision was achieved. Marked improvement of the quadriplegia was attained only after steroid therapy. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was able to walk with a cane. The affected site showed no remission on MRI despite continuous steroid therapy. At the 2-year follow-up, the patient could walk independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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23
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Paraplegia due to non-osseous spinal tuberculosis: report of three cases and review of the literature. Int J Infect Dis 2008; 12:425-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2007] [Revised: 09/23/2007] [Accepted: 12/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Wasay M, Arif H, Khealani B, Ahsan H. Neuroimaging of Tuberculous Myelitis: Analysis of Ten Cases and Review of Literature. J Neuroimaging 2006; 16:197-205. [PMID: 16808820 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2006.00032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and neuroimaging features of 10 patients with tuberculous myelitis. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (70%) and paraplegia (60%). Bladder and bowel symptoms were present in 90% patients. On MRI, the involvement of the cervical/thoracic segment of the spinal cord was most commonly seen (90%). The most consistent finding was hyperintense signals on T2-weighted MRI. T1-weighted images showed isointense (n= 5) and hypointense (n= 4) signals in the spinal cord lesions. Post-contrast enhancement was present in 6 patients, epidural enhancement in 4 patients, and cord swelling in 2 patients. We reviewed more than 250 published cases with the diagnosis of tuberculous myelitis and radiculomyelitis with special attention to MRI findings. It is predominantly a disease of the thoracic spinal cord. Most spinal cord lesions appear as hyperintense on T2 and iso- or hypointense on T1-weighted images. MRI findings in patients with spinal cord tuberculosis have both diagnostic and prognostic significance. Cord atrophy or cavitation and the presence of syrinx on MRI may be associated with poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Wasay
- Department of Neurology, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
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25
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Sree Harsha CK, Shetty AP, Rajasekaran S. Intradural spinal tuberculosis in the absence of vertebral or meningeal tuberculosis: a case report. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2006; 14:71-5. [PMID: 16598092 DOI: 10.1177/230949900601400116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a patient with spinal intradural tuberculosis in the absence of both vertebral and meningeal tuberculosis. Diagnosis was made based on intra-operative findings and was confirmed by histopathology. Early surgical decompression along with a combination of steroid and antitubercular therapy resulted in a good outcome. At 26-month follow-up, the patient regained bladder control and was able to walk with support. Clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, and intra-operative findings are described. Pathology and the relevant literature are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Sree Harsha
- Department of Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, South India
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26
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Abstract
We describe the case of a 22-year-old HIV-negative male who was diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis and subsequently went on to develop two highly unusual after effects of the meningitis. The first was a tuberculoma, which was discovered 28 days after the meningitis and occurred while the patient was taking a four-drug therapeutic regimen, despite adequate drug susceptibilities. The second was an even more unique sequela: tuberculous radiculomyelitis. This transpired only after the patient's glucocorticoids, which were initiated to treat the tuberculoma, were tapered off. These manifestations were successfully treated with the addition of corticosteroids to the antituberculous regimen. The typical clinical presentations of these diseases are reviewed and various means of pathogenesis proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen J Blaivas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and the National Tuberculosis Center, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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27
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McGuiness F. Imaging of Brain and Spinal Cord Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-18937-1_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Srivastava T, Kochar DK. Asymptomatic spinal arachnoiditis in patients with tuberculous meningitis. Neuroradiology 2003; 45:727-9. [PMID: 14504848 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-003-1077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2003] [Accepted: 07/10/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Spinal arachnoiditis is one of the common and disabling complication of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). We focused on early diagnosis of spinal arachnoiditis by spinal MRI in asymptomatic patients in whom neurological examination was normal. We studied 16 patients with a diagnosis of probable or highly probable TBM with symptoms for less than 1 month; three had radiological evidence of spinal arachnoiditis. High cerebrospinal fluid protein appeared to be a risk factor for development of spinal arachnoiditis. MRI is sensitive to detect early spinal arachnoiditis. Earlier diagnosis may be helpful in management of spinal arachnoiditis in TBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, CN Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 110029 New Delhi, India.
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29
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Tanriverdi T, Kizilkiliç O, Hanci M, Kaynar MY, Unalan H, Oz B. Atypical intradural spinal tuberculosis: report of three cases. Spinal Cord 2003; 41:403-9. [PMID: 12815372 DOI: 10.1038/sj.sc.3101463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report three cases of intradural spinal tuberculosis (TB) by calling attention to atypical forms of spinal TB. SETTING A University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS Histopathological, radiological, surgical and physical examination findings of three patients with spinal TB were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Based on histopathological, surgical and radiological findings, diagnosis of intramedullary abscess had been made in the first case and early and late phases of arachnoiditis in the other two patients, respectively. The clinical outcome was evaluated as satisfactory for the patient with intramedullary abscess who had been treated with medical and surgical interventions. The remaining two patients with arachnoiditis, who had been treated by shunting or simple decompression, had a relatively less favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Spinal TB, in its atypical forms, is a rare clinical entity and low index of suspicion on the part of the surgeon may result in misdiagnosis such as neoplasm. In cases presenting with an intraspinal mass lesion, possibility of a tuberculous abscess and/or a granuloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tanriverdi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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30
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Cohen-Gadol AA, Zikel OM, Miller GM, Aksamit AJ, Scheithauer BW, Krauss WE. Spinal cord biopsy: a review of 38 cases. Neurosurgery 2003; 52:806-15; discussion 815-6. [PMID: 12657176 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000053223.77641.5e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2002] [Accepted: 12/04/2002] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurosurgeons are frequently asked to evaluate patients for spinal cord biopsies when preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrate nonspecific features. These lesions often appear unresectable, but surgeons must decide whether a biopsy is warranted. To determine the best approach to these cases, we evaluated the clinicopathological findings for patients with unknown spinal cord lesions who underwent spinal cord biopsies. METHODS Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent spinal cord biopsies at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between August 1988 and July 1998 were studied. A detailed review of the case histories, radiological results, surgical notes, histological findings, and outcomes was performed. RESULTS Spinal cord biopsies were performed for 21 male and 17 female patients (mean age, 42.1 yr) with progressive neurological deficits related to spinal cord lesions. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging evaluations. High T2-weighted signal intensity and spinal cord expansion were identified in 92 and 87% of cases, respectively. After gadolinium infusion, the majority (94%) of the inflammatory lesions demonstrated patchy and often peripherally situated enhancement. This neuroradiological pattern was less common for neoplasms (50%) and benign lesions (40%). The most common pathological findings were inflammatory changes of demyelination or sarcoidosis, which together accounted for 13 cases (34%). Nonspecific changes or benign lesions were observed in 10 cases (26%). Neoplasms were identified in eight cases (21%). One case of tuberculosis and one of schistosomiasis were found. Overall, 47% of the preoperative diagnoses made by the attending surgeon were correct. For 26% of the patients, specific treatment was based on the biopsy results. The average follow-up period was 12 months (standard deviation, 14 mo; range, 0-50 mo). CONCLUSION Preoperative laboratory and imaging studies are often diagnostically inconclusive in cases of spinal cord lesions with nonspecific features. Biopsies should be considered for patients with progressive symptomatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Cohen-Gadol
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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Abstract
It is generally accepted that chronic adhesive lumbar arachnoiditis is a cause of symptoms, notably back pain and/or pain (of almost any type, not necessarily 'anatomical') in the lower limbs, although there is no clearly defined clinical pattern which is clearly associated with this syndrome. There is no doubt that arachnoiditis occurs as a pathological and radiological entity due to a number of causes. In the view of the present authors, the nexus between the pathology and radiology on the one hand, and the patients' symptoms on the other hand, has not been demonstrated with any degree of scientific rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Petty
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Melbourne Neuroscience Centre, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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33
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Hernández-Albújar S, Arribas JR, Royo A, González-García JJ, Peña JM, Vázquez JJ. Tuberculous radiculomyelitis complicating tuberculous meningitis: case report and review. Clin Infect Dis 2000; 30:915-21. [PMID: 10854362 DOI: 10.1086/313821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/1999] [Revised: 12/03/1999] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (TBRM) is a complication of tuberculous meningitis (TBM), which has been reported rarely in the modern medical literature. We describe a case of TBRM that developed in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient, despite prompt antituberculous treatment. To our knowledge, this is the second case of TBRM reported in an HIV-infected patient. We also review 74 previously reported cases of TBRM. TBRM develops at various periods after TBM, even in adequately treated patients after sterilization of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The most common symptoms are subacute paraparesis, radicular pain, bladder disturbance, and subsequent paralysis. CSF evaluation usually shows an active inflammatory response with a very high protein level. MRI and CT scan are critical for diagnosis, revealing loculation and obliteration of the subarachnoid space along with linear intradural enhancement. As in other forms of paradoxical reactions to antituberculous treatment, there is evidence that steroid treatment might have a beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hernández-Albújar
- Servicio de Medicina Interna (Unidad VIH), Hospital Universitario "La Paz," Facultad de Medicina Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly meningitis, is the most severe form of tuberculous infection. Parenchymal CNS involvement can occur in the form of tuberculoma or, more rarely, abscess. Although surgery was initially advocated as the mainstay of therapy, more recent evidence suggests that parenchymal forms of CNS tuberculosis can be cured with medical treatment alone. Also, damage of the spinal cord, roots, and spine can occur in the form of spinal meningitis, radiculomyelitis, spondylitis, or spinal cord infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Garcia-Monco
- Chief, Service of Neurology, Hospital de Galdacano, Galdacano, Vizcaya, Spain.
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35
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Abstract
Tuberculous involvement of the brain and spinal cord are common neurological disorders in developing countries and have recently shown a resurgence in developed ones. Tuberculous meningitis is an important manifestation and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid changes, and imaging characteristics. Bacteriological confirmation is not possible in all cases as serological tests do not have sufficient sensitivity and specificity. The polymerase chain reaction shows promise for the future. Appropriate chemotherapeutic agents should be administered as early as possible, although there is no unanimity concerning chemotherapeutic regimens or optimal duration of treatment. The patient's clinical stage at presentation is the most important prognostic factor. The role of corticosteroids is controversial but they should be administered to all patients presenting in stage III. Surgical procedures are directed at management of the hydrocephalus. Focal lesions, intracranial tuberculomas, and tuberculous abscesses, are usually located in cerebral or cerebellar hemispheres, uncommonly in brainstem and very rarely in spinal cord. They do not usually require surgical intervention and respond well to antituberculous treatment, along with corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Garg
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Parney IF, Johnson ES, Allen PB. "Idiopathic" cranial hypertrophic pachymeningitis responsive to antituberculous therapy: case report. Neurosurgery 1997; 41:965-71. [PMID: 9316063 DOI: 10.1097/00006123-199710000-00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE We present a case similar to previously described cases of idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis. However, our patient responded to antituberculous therapy. This raises the possibility that some cases of "idiopathic" hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis may represent occult tuberculous disease. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 55-year-old woman presented with a right fourth nerve palsy and a 5-month history of headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium revealed thick enhancing dura on the right half of the tentorium cerebelli, with edema of the adjacent midbrain, pons, and cerebral peduncle. INTERVENTION Open biopsy of the tentorial lesion revealed only dense fibrosis with histiocytic infiltration. An exhaustive search failed to demonstrate an underlying cause. In particular, mycobacterial stains/cultures were negative, there was no granuloma formation, and the chest x-ray was unremarkable. However, because of a strongly positive purified protein-derivative skin test and residence in an area endemic for tuberculosis, the patient was placed on antituberculous medications. CONCLUSION The patient's symptoms and signs resolved with antituberculous therapy. Resolution of the tentorial lesion was confirmed by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. We conclude that this case represented occult tuberculous disease. An empiric trial of antituberculous therapy may be warranted in other cases of apparently idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I F Parney
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Masjuan J, Corral I, Fernández-Ruiz LC. Mycobacterial acute lumbosacral polyradiculopathy as the initial manifestation of AIDS. JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES AND HUMAN RETROVIROLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RETROVIROLOGY ASSOCIATION 1997; 15:175. [PMID: 9241120 DOI: 10.1097/00042560-199706010-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Gupta VK, Sharma BS, Khosla VK. Intramedullary tuberculoma: report of two cases with MRI findings. SURGICAL NEUROLOGY 1995; 44:241-3; discussion 243-4. [PMID: 8545775 DOI: 10.1016/0090-3019(95)00169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Two cases of spinal intramedullary tuberculous granulomas (tuberculomas) without any bony involvement are reported. The rarity of the occurrence and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are discussed. Microsurgical excision and antituberculous treatment produced good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Jinkins JR, Gupta R, Chang KH, Rodriguez-Carbajal J. MR IMAGING OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUBERCULOSIS. Radiol Clin North Am 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/s0033-8389(22)00618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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41
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Jackson A, Isherwood I. Does degenerative disease of the lumbar spine cause arachnoiditis? A magnetic resonance study and review of the literature. Br J Radiol 1994; 67:840-7. [PMID: 7953223 DOI: 10.1259/0007-1285-67-801-840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The magnetic resonance appearances in 165 patients with symptoms suggestive of degenerative lumbar spine disease were reviewed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between abnormalities of nerve root distribution and degenerative disease of the lumbar spine in the absence of other known risk factors for arachnoiditis. Central clumping of nerve roots was present in 16 patients (9.7%) and was associated with spinal stenosis at one of the affected levels in all (p < 0.001). Spinal stenosis was present in 44 patients giving an incidence of abnormal nerve root distribution of 36% in this group. Nerve root clumping occurred in association with pure spinal stenosis (10 cases), stenosis secondary to disc prolapse (four cases) and degenerative spondylolisthesis (two cases). Nerve root clumping was confined to one vertebral level in nine cases and extended over two to four levels in seven. In five of the latter spinal stenosis was present at multiple levels. The appearance of nerve root clumping described here may result entirely from mechanical apposition of nerve roots but is indistinguishable from the central pattern of nerve root adhesions which occurs in adhesive lumbar arachnoiditis. No abnormalities of nerve root distribution were seen in association with any indicator of degenerative disk disease in the absence of stenosis. We have been unable to demonstrate the previously reported relationship between lumbar disk degeneration and arachnoiditis and discuss this with a critical review of the literature. Abnormal central clumping of nerve roots as described in arachnoiditis may occur in association with spinal stenosis in the absence of other risk factors although the cause for this appearance remains unexplained. Arachnoiditis-like changes extending over more than one vertebral level are rare (7%) except in the presence of spinal stenosis at multiple levels (29%). Awareness of this appearance may avoid a possibly incorrect diagnosis of arachnoiditis in the presence of a treatable stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jackson
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Manchester, UK
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44
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Phadke RV, Kohli A, Jain VK, Gupta RK, Kumar S, Gujral RB. Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis): myelographic (and CT myelographic) appearances. AUSTRALASIAN RADIOLOGY 1994; 38:10-6. [PMID: 8147791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.1994.tb00116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis) remains one of the important causes of paraplegia in India. The diagnosis usually rests on clinical history and examination, and on laboratory findings in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). Few descriptive reports are available of the myelographic appearance, with water-soluble contrast media, in tuberculous radioculomyelitis (arachnoiditis). A retrospective review of 21 myelograms and 10 computed tomographic (CT) myelograms, in 14 patients with tuberculous radiculomyelitis, was carried out, with a view to describing, in detail, the radiographic features. An attempt was made to assess the use of the radiologic procedures in diagnosis and follow up in these patients. Conventional myelographic findings included block (8/14), irregular subarachnoid space (9/14), filling defects (8/14), sluggish contrast flow (2/14), root thickening (3/14) and atrophic cord (2/14). Computed tomographic myelography showed reduced contrast density in portions of the opacified CSF ring around the cord in affected region (6/7) and, in addition, demonstrated septa and adhesions. Intravenous contrast CT was not found to be useful (2/2). Follow-up studies showed partial resolution (3/6), deterioration (1/6) and status quo of radiological findings (2/6). Although these changes can be seen in chronic radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis) from other causes, such as leukaemic infiltration/lymphoma, other chronic central nervous system infections and iatrogenic causes, including repeated intrathecal injections, conventional myelography appeared to be useful for diagnosis and follow up in tuberculous radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis).
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Affiliation(s)
- R V Phadke
- Department of Radiology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Gupta RK, Gupta S, Kumar S, Kohli A, Misra UK, Gujral RB. MRI in intraspinal tuberculosis. Neuroradiology 1994; 36:39-43. [PMID: 8107996 DOI: 10.1007/bf00599194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We studied 20 patients with intraspinal tuberculosis (TB), to characterise the MRI features of tuberculous meningitis and myelitis. MRI leptomeningitis and intramedullary involvement in 11 patients, intramedullary lesions alone in 5, leptomeningitis alone in 2, and isolated extradural disease in 2. TB leptomeningitis was characterised by loculation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), nerve root thickening and clumping (seen only in the lumbar region) or complete obliteration of the subarachnoid space on unenhanced images. Gd-DTPA-enhanced images proved useful in 6 cases, revealing linear enhancement of the surface of the spinal cord and nerve roots or plaque-like enhancement of the dura-arachnoid mater complex. Intramedullary lesions included tuberculomas (8), cord oedema (5) and cavitation (3). In seven cases of intramedullary tuberculoma multiple lesions with skip areas were seen, without significant cord swelling. One patient had an isolated lesion in the conus medullaris. The lesions were iso- or hypointense on T1-weighted images, iso-, hypo- or hyperintense on T2-weighted images and showed rim or nodular enhancement with contrast medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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Abstract
A patient is reported with a painless, progressive cauda equina lesion due to arachnoiditis, the result of the contrast medium 'Thorotrast' (thorium dioxide) introduced into the brain over 30 years previously. Contrast medium introduced into the lumbar spine can give rise to aseptic adhesive inflammation (arachnoiditis). It rarely gives rise to clinical problems but, when it does so, is usually associated with back pain and only very rarely with progressive neurological deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Pandya
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Royal Preston Hospital
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Gourie-Devi M, Satishchandra P. Hyaluronidase as an adjuvant in the management of tuberculous spinal arachnoiditis. J Neurol Sci 1991; 102:105-11. [PMID: 1856727 DOI: 10.1016/0022-510x(91)90100-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spinal arachnoiditis, a complication of tuberculous meningitis, is not uncommon; it may develop despite specific chemotherapy and steroids, and existing avenues of treatment for it are unsatisfactory. The enzyme hyaluronidase, by virtue of its action of hydrolysing the glucosaminidic bonds of hyaluronic acid and other mucopolysaccharides of the ground substance, offers a promising mode of treatment. Sixty-six patients with spinal arachnoiditis secondary to tuberculous meningitis were seen over an 8-year period. All these patients received antituberculous drugs and steroids; 39 of them (group A), who, in addition, were given intrathecal hyaluronidase, fared better than the remaining 27 (group B), who did not receive this enzyme. This study was non-randomised. The disability and functional deficit score showed a significant decrease from 7.6 to 3.7 in the enzyme-treated group in contrast to a mild change from 8.1 to 6.9 in the untreated group. Further, in group A the mortality was 5.2% whereas in group B it was 25.9%. There was a marked 5-fold decrease in mean CSF protein in group A while in group B there was no significant change. There were no serious side effects due to repeated administration of intrathecal hyaluronidase. Thus this study provides convincing evidence of the therapeutic role of hyaluronidase in the management of tuberculous spinal arachnoiditis and replicates our earlier observation of the safety of hyaluronidase given intrathecally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gourie-Devi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India
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Naidoo DP, Desai D, Kranidiotis L. Tuberculous meningiomyeloradiculitis--a report of two cases. TUBERCLE 1991; 72:65-9. [PMID: 1882446 DOI: 10.1016/0041-3879(91)90026-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Two cases of tuberculous meningitis complicated by spread to the spinal cord and nerve roots are described. Recognition of impending paraplegia by a rising cerebrospinal fluid protein content and manometric block should prompt steroid therapy as this may prevent irreversible neurological deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Naidoo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Durban, Republic of South Africa
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Abstract
Whether the clinical pattern of neurosyphilis has changed since the introduction of penicillin is controversial. This study describes the clinical, laboratory and radiological features of nine patients with syphilitic myelopathy, to assess whether the disease pattern has changed in this subgroup. Four patterns based on clinical course and radiological findings were identified: three patients presented with subacute paraparesis, four with prodromal backache and/or mild leg weakness followed by sudden paraplegia, one patient developed slowly progressive weakness over 4 years and one patient who progressed over one month was shown to have dural thickening on myelography. All patients showed CSF pleocytosis with positive CSF VDRL in seven patients. Despite therapy the prognosis for recovery was not good. Compared with pre-penicillin era studies, the clinical pattern has not significantly changed. Greater alertness to the diagnosis might result in earlier therapy and thus possibly lead to improved prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Silber
- Department of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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