1424. Central Nervous System Tuberculosis in a Large Healthcare System

Abstract

Abstract Background Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) accounts for 5-10% of extrapulmonary TB cases. It takes 3 clinical forms: meningitis, tuberculoma, and arachnoiditis. Modern case descriptions of the presentation of CNS-TB are rare. The goal of this study is to examine the presentation, diagnostic studies, and associated comorbidities of CNS-TB. Methods In our academic healthcare system, cases of culture confirmed CNS-TB were identified in a database maintained by the infection control group. This is a retrospective case series of the 11 adults with confirmed CNS-TB. Results 273 patients were identified with TB infection from 2008 to 2022. 104 (38%) had extra pulmonary disease. 11 (4%) had CNS infection. Patient characteristics are described in Table 1. 5 (45%) of the patients with CNS disease also had pulmonary disease. Mean age of diagnosis was 42. 5 (45%) were male and 9 (82%) were African American. 5 (45%) had HIV; mean CD4 count was 100 (8-255). Diagnostics are shown in Table 2. CSF studies revealed a mean WBC of 295/mm3 (4-808), protein of 605 mg/dL (27-4476), and Glucose of 31 (12-64) mg/dL. 4 (36%) patients presented with British Research Medical Council (BMRC) clinical stage I disease and 7 (64%) with stage II disease. 8 (73%) patients had an abnormal CT or MRI scan of the head, with representative images seen in Figure 1. 5 patients (45%) had lesions consistent with tuberculomas. 1 (9%) had arachnoiditis identified on imaging. 1 (9%) patient died. Conclusion 38% of patients diagnosed with TB at our center had extrapulmonary disease compared to 17.5% reported in the literature. The 4% rate of CNS-TB was similar to previously reported. Our series describes abnormal imaging as well as CSF studies showing leukocytosis, pleocytosis, and hypoglycorrhachia consistent with previously described findings. Though numbers were small, no significant difference was found between HIV positive and negative patients. Although mortality was rare in our series, the patient who died had advanced AIDS and multidrug resistant meningitis. Given the significant global mortality of this disease, this series highlights the need for more current studies describing the presentation and diagnostic characteristics of modern CNS-TB so clinicians can better recognize and treat the condition without delay. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.