Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (arachnoiditis) associated with tuberculous meningitis

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2005 May;36(3):722-4.

Abstract

Abstract. A 17-year-old man who presented with progressive quadriparesis is reported. About 8 months prior to admission, he had miliary tuberculosis, and that improved with anti-tuberculous therapy. He had also developed tuberculous meningitis and tuberculous myelitis, respectively. He regularly took anti-tuberculous drugs until this illness. Neurological findings were compatible with cervical cord lesion. CSF analysis indicated a predominate lymphocytic pleocytosis with a high protein level and low sugar profile. MRI findings revealed a multi-loculated arachnoid cyst at C1-C3 level with pressure affecting the adjacent spinal cord and evidence of myelitis at C3-T1 level. Hemi-larminectomy and removal of the arachnoid cyst were performed, but without improvement. A CSF culture yielded M. tuberculosis, that was susceptible to anti-tuberculous drugs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arachnoid Cysts / complications*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Arachnoid Cysts / surgery
  • Arachnoiditis / complications*
  • Arachnoiditis / diagnosis
  • Arachnoiditis / drug therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification
  • Quadriplegia / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents