Chiari malformation and tuberculous meningitis: aetiology and management

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Apr 5:2018:bcr2018224245. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224245.

Abstract

This is the first reported case of a Chiari 1 malformation in association with tuberculous (TB) meningitis. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with a 2-week history nocturnal fever, vertigo, headache and projectile vomiting. She had nystagmus, scanning speech, bilateral papilloedema and ataxia. Cranial imaging showed a 10 mm tonsillar herniation. Posterior fossa decompression was done. Because the patient's gamut of symptoms was highly suspicious for a central nervous system infection, a lumbar tap was done which revealed TB meningitis. Four years later, after anti-TB medications and rehabilitation, all her symptoms except gait instability resolved.

Keywords: brain stem / cerebellum; hydrocephalus; meningitis; neurosurgery; tb and other respiratory infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnosis*
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / physiopathology
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / rehabilitation
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / therapy
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / diagnostic imaging
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / surgery*
  • Decompression, Surgical / methods*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Spinal Puncture
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / physiopathology
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / rehabilitation
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / therapy
  • Vertigo / etiology
  • Vomiting / etiology
  • Young Adult