CNS TB Research Articles

Imaging panorama of pediatric central nervous system tuberculosis.

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) is the most dreaded manifestation of systemic tuberculosis in the pediatric age group. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to severe neurological complications and sequelae. Knowledge about the imaging spectrum of CNS TB will help in early presumptive diagnosis and prompt treatment, reducing the development of complications. Imaging also plays a vital role in monitoring the progression of disease after the initiation of antituberculosis therapy. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have recently improved the diagnostic efficacy manifold.In this review, we describe the imaging characteristics, the role of advanced imaging techniques, and follow-up imaging in various types of CNS TB in the pediatric population.

Study of Hyponatremia in Acute CNS Infections in A Tertiary Center

INTRODUCTION Hyponatremia significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in CNS infections. Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention of hyponatremia is necessary as it can exacerbate the symptoms and may cause delay in management. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done in 146 consenting adults diagnosed with acute CNS infections at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) over one year. All participants underwent clinical assessments, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, blood tests, and imaging. Prevalence and severity of hyponatremia was studied. Data was entered into MS Excel and subsequently transformed into IBM SPSS Software version 25 for statistical assessment. RESULTS Hyponatremia was prevalent in 34.25% of cases; of which 56% were moderate in severity. Altered mental state, fever, and headache were common clinical features. In terms of etiology, viral infections (45.8%), followed by CNS TB (30.8%) were common. CONCLUSION Our study identified that hyponatremia was prevalent in more than one third of patients having CNS infections, encephalitis being the most common clinical syndrome. In terms of etiology, viral infections constituted the majority, followed by tubercular, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections.

Neuroimaging of tuberculosis- modalities, imaging protocols and radiomics: a review

Background and Objective:
 A large number of review and research articles exists in literature which describe the radiological appearance of various manifestations of nervous system tuberculosis, however there is paucity of text which describes the application of each and every imaging modality in the workup of the entire spectrum of this pathology. The intent of this article is to review the existing literature on the role of different radiological modalities in the stepwise work up of CNS TB. The article focuses on the role of plain radiograph, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging along with its advanced sequences and nuclear medicine in imaging of the many faces of tuberculosis in CNS. The article also aims to review the existing literature on the role of MR based textural analysis (Radiomics) as a problem-solving tool in various nervous system pathologies.
 Methods:
 We searched PubMed central databases for articles published in English from January 1 2000 to February 28 2021 along with references from the relevant articles. The search terms included “imaging in central nervous system tuberculosis” “Radiomics in tuberculosis “, “Radomics in central nervous system ”. In total 95 articles including case reports, case series, original articles and review articles were included in this review.
 Results:
 Conventional imaging modalities including radiograph and fluoroscopy are becoming extinct in work up of tuberculosis in the nervous system itself, however a plain radiograph still holds a key position in screening the chest for presence of subclinical respiratory tract infection in patients presenting with brain tuberculosis. In addition, it is a sensitive tool as baseline investigation in workup of spinal tuberculosis (T.B). Fluoroscopy is a useful tool in image guided procedures for collection of samples for histopathology and CSF analysis.
 Cross sectional imaging modalities including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have revolutionized imaging of central nervous system pathologies in particular tuberculosis. Computed tomography acts as a screening tool to identify the presence of intracranial tuberculosis and recognize its complications. In addition it is an important tool to determine the extent of spinal T.B. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) along with its advanced sequences including spectroscopy, Magnetization transfer T1 sequence (MT T1), perfusion imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is an ideal imaging method to work up CNS TB. It can identify numerous manifestations of tuberculosis in the brain, work up its associated complication, and explain the extent of neurological symptoms. Moreover, it has the capability to differentiate TB from other nervous system infections. Furthermore, it can differentiate neoplastic and inflammatory brain disorders from CNS TB. Radiomics, particularly the textural features based on MR imaging is the future of neuroimaging. Its role is getting established in the work up of several intracranial pathologies including brain tumors and neurodegenerative disorders. Certainly, it has significant potential in the imaging work up of CNS tuberculosis, which is underexplored and therefore requires the central attention of upcoming researchers focusing on this topic.
 Conclusion:
 Cross sectional imaging is the mainstay of imaging workup. Nuclear imaging is becoming an essential adjuvant to determine the burden of the disease. Role of radiomics is evolving in intracranial pathologies and certainly needs the central attention of future researches to establish its role in CNS TB imaging.

Risk of dementia in survivors of active tuberculosis in Korea: A nationwide cohort study

BackgroundConcern has been growing regarding post-tuberculosis (TB) morbidities, including neurologic and vascular comorbidities. However, the association between post-TB status and the risk of dementia has been evaluated in only few studies. Therefore, in the present study, the risk of dementia was investigated in a nationwide population-based cohort. MethodsUsing the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database, this study included TB survivors (n = 50,182) and matched controls (n = 50,182) for age, sex, and year of index date. The risk of dementia was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, and stratified analyses for related factors were performed. ResultsDuring a mean 3.5 years of follow-up, the incidence of dementia was 9.32 for Alzheimer disease and 1.17 for vascular dementia per 1000 person-years for TB survivors and 7.21 and 0.67, respectively, for matched controls. The overall risk of Alzheimer disease was 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.20)-fold higher in TB survivors than in matched controls. For vascular dementia, 1.48 (95% CI 1.16–1.89)-fold higher risk was found in TB survivors than in matched controls. The strength of the association between TB and dementia was higher in CNS TB (aHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.18 –2.64) than non-CNS TB (aHR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.19) compared to controls, especially for patients with vascular dementia (3.33, 95% CI 1.06–10.49). ConclusionTB survivors had a significantly higher risk of dementia than the general population.

Distinguishing clinical characteristics of central nervous system tuberculosis in immunodeficient and non-immunodeficient individuals: a 12-year retrospective study

BackgroundCentral nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) is a severe Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. It is unclear whether a patient’s immune status alters the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of CNS TB.MethodsBetween January 2007–December 2018, chart reviews of CNS TB, including tuberculous meningitis (TBM), tuberculoma/abscess, and TB myelitis, were made. Subjects were categorized as immunodeficient (ID) and non-immunodeficient (NID).ResultsOf 310 subjects, 160 (51.6%) were in the ID group—132 (42.6%) had HIV and 28 (9.0%) had another ID, and 150 (48.4%) were in the NID group. The mean age was 43.64 ± 16.76 years, and 188 (60.6%) were male. There were 285 (91.9%) TBM, 16 (5.2%) tuberculoma/abscess, and 9 (2.9%) myelitis cases. The TBM characteristics in the ID group were younger age (p = 0.003), deep subcortical location of tuberculoma (p = 0.030), lower hemoglobin level (p < 0.001), and lower peripheral white blood cell count (p < 0.001). Only HIV individuals with TBM had an infection by multidrug-resistant MTB (p = 0.013). TBM mortality was varied by immune status —HIV 22.8%, other ID 29.6%, and NID 14.8% (p < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes in TBM also differed between the HIV and NID groups.ConclusionsTBM is the most significant proportion of CNS TB. Some of the clinical characteristics of TBM, such as age, radiographic findings, hematological derangement, and mortality, including factors associated with unfavorable outcomes, differed between ID and non-ID patients.

Effectiveness of Adjunctive High-Dose Infliximab Therapy to Improve Disability-Free Survival Among Patients With Severe Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

Few treatment options exist for patients with severe central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB) worsening due to inflammatory lesions, despite optimal antitubercular therapy (ATT) and steroids. Data regarding the efficacy and safety of infliximab in these patients are sparse. We performed a matched retrospective cohort study based on Medical Research Council (MRC) grading system and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores comparing 2 groups of adults with CNS TB. Cohort A received at least 1 dose of infliximab after optimal ATT and steroids between March 2019 and July 2022. Cohort B received only ATT and steroids. Disability-free survival (mRS score ≤2) at 6 months was the primary outcome. Baseline MRC grades and mRS scores were similar between the cohorts. Median duration before initiation of infliximab therapy from start of ATT and steroids was 6 (IQR: 3.7-13) months and for neurological deficits was 4 (IQR: 2-6.2) months. Indications for infliximab were symptomatic tuberculomas (20/30; 66.7%), spinal cord involvement with paraparesis (8/30; 26.7%), and optochiasmatic arachnoiditis (3/30; 10%), worsening despite adequate ATT and steroids. Severe disability (5/30 [16.7%] and 21/60 [35%]) and all-cause mortality (2/30 [6.7%] and 13/60 [21.7%]) at 6 months were lower in cohort A versus cohort B, respectively. In the combined study population, only exposure to infliximab was positively associated (aRR: 6.2; 95% CI: 2.18-17.83; P = .001) with disability-free survival at 6 months. There were no clear infliximab-related side effects noted. Infliximab may be an effective and safe adjunctive strategy among severely disabled patients with CNS TB not improving despite optimal ATT and steroids. Adequately powered phase 3 clinical trials are required to confirm these early findings.

ChatGPT in glioma adjuvant therapy decision making: ready to assume the role of a doctor in the tumour board?

ObjectiveTo evaluate ChatGPT‘s performance in brain glioma adjuvant therapy decision-making.MethodsWe randomly selected 10 patients with brain gliomas discussed at our institution’s central nervous system tumour board (CNS TB). Patients’ clinical...

Clinical Factors Associated with Poor Outcomes in Patients with Central Nervous System Tuberculosis Treated in San Francisco, CA from 2011 to 2021 (S25.006)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To identify risk factors associated with mortality and poor functional outcomes in patients with central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) cared for in San Francisco, CA. <h3>Background:</h3> CNS TB is one of the most severe forms of TB. Studies evaluating risk factors for mortality and disability due to CNS TB are lacking across low- and high-resource settings. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> Search terms were used to identify medical records from patients with possible CNS TB at two medical centers in San Francisco, CA between January 1st, 2011, and November 1st, 2021. Data was extracted from a sample (n=75) of cases who met criteria for definite or suspected CNS TB warranting treatment with anti-tuberculous medications. Logistic regression models were performed to identify associations of demographic factors, comorbidities, and clinical signs/symptoms with mortality and functional outcomes. <h3>Results:</h3> Of 75 cases of CNS TB, most were men (60%), 18–64 years of age (67%), foreign-born (75%), and publicly insured (60%). Diabetes (28%) and hypertension (45%) were common comorbidities. The prevalence of HIV (9.8%) was 32 times higher than in the general California population. Many patients experienced long-term moderate to severe impairments in mobility (56%) and cognition (47%) and loss of independent function (50%). Increasing age (OR=1.04 per year, 95%CI:1.00–1.07), hypertension (OR=5.40, 95%CI:1.24–23.10), intubation (OR=9.14, 95%CI: 2.14–39.07), and altered mental status (OR=7.09, 95%CI: 1.61–31.30) were significantly associated with increased odds of mortality. Altered mental status at presentation (p&lt;0.001) and hydrocephalus (p=0.040) were associated with a greater likelihood of long-term cognitive impairment. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Mortality and functional impairment were common in patients with CNS TB cared for over the past decade in San Francisco. Older patients and those with hypertension had worse outcomes, as did patients presenting with altered mental status and hydrocephalus. Earlier CNS TB diagnosis and more effective treatment, including for patients with select risk factors, are needed to improve outcomes. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. HERNANDEZ CASTILLO has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chow has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Medicolegal consulting. The institution of Dr. Chow has received research support from NIH. Dr. Louie has nothing to disclose. Ms. Romo has nothing to disclose.

Tubercular Optochiasmatic Arachnoiditis: A Case Report with Current Therapeutics and Management

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) involves the brain parenchyma, meninges, and spinal cord. The primary pathology in CNS TB includes thick basal exudates leading to intense meningeal inflammation, vasculitis, and hydrocephalus. When these exudates and inflammation predominantly involve the structure in and around suprasellar cistern region, it results in a condition called optochiasmatic arachnoiditis (OCA). OCA is one of the cataclysmal complications of CNS TB, leading to vision loss. A previously healthy young woman came to our center with the complaints of low-grade fever, headache, weight loss, and visual obscuration. For further evaluation, she underwent lumbar puncture, and based on cerebrospinal fluid analysis, she was a diagnosed with CNS TB and was promptly started on antitubercular therapy along with steroid. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbit showed OCA. For OCA, she was given pulse-dose dexamethasone along with intrathecal hyaluronidase with which there was marginal improvement in vision. Management of OCA can be very challenging with unsatisfactory response. Many agents such as pulse steroid, intrathecal hyaluronidase, thalidomide, tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors, and cyclophosphamide have been used with inconsistent results. We have also done a review of the literature for the current evidence and newer therapeutics available for the management of OCA.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: Clinical and Diagnostic Features and Risk Factors for Early Mortality

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate patients with EPTB in terms of demographics, anatomic localization, diagnosis and risk factors on early mortality. Materials and methods: The data of 217 inpatients who were followed up with EPTB, between January 2010 and December 2020, were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were followed-up during hospital admission and early mortality was considered. Risk factors on mortality were identified in multivariate analysis using logistic regression model. Results: The median age was 54 (IQR: 37-67) and the rate of male patients was 43.3%. 76 (35%) patients had at least one comorbidity. The most common underlying conditions were diabetes mellitus and immunosuppressive treatment. The most common forms of EPTB were lymph node, bone and CNS. Microbiological findings (ARB and/or TB-culture and/or M. tuberculosis PCR) were positive in 75 patients and histopathological findings (necrotising granuloma with/without pathological caseification) were supportive for diagnosis in 68.2%. The overall mortality rate was 8.5%. In the multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with increased risk of death included advanced age, elevated sedimentation rate above 50mmHg, miliary TB and CNS TB. Conclusion: In conclusion, EPTB is an important health problem in developing countries with significant mortality in specific forms. The most common forms of EPTB are lymph node, bone and CNS TB. The most common underlying conditions are diabetes and immunosuppressive therapy although most patients do not have any underlying diseases. The diagnosis is forcing and a substantial proportion of patients have negative microbiological findings. The diagnosis are based on pathological, radiological and/or clinical findings in patients without definitive microbiological diagnosis. Advanced age, high sedimentation rate and severe forms such as CNS and miliary TB are associated with early mortality.

340. GeneXpert Ultra for Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Tuberculosis in the High Tuberculosis Prevalence Country - A Prospective Study from India

Abstract Background Early diagnosis and initiation of antitubercular treatment are vital steps to reducing the impact of TB in high burden countries. The molecular method like GeneXpert has significantly improved the diagnosis of TB. GeneXpert Ultra is more sensitive to the diagnosis and helps in paucibacillary samples like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study aims to provide its utility in diagnosis of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) in high TB burden geography. Methods This prospective observational study included the suspected cases of CNS TB with age ≥12 years. Patients who presented with ≥ 5 days history of CNS symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis with a lancet score of ≥ 6 on combination of clinical, CSF and imaging criteria were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with aetiology other than tuberculosis for CNS disease were excluded. CSF was analysed for GeneXpert Ultra and mycobacterial culture. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and Negative predictive value (NPV) of GeneXpert Ultra were analysed in comparison with culture results. Results A total of 107 patients with mean age of 33.2±18.5 years were analysed. CSF mycobacterial culture was positive in 45.8% (n=49) of patients. However, Mycobacterial tuberculosis via GeneXpert Ultra was detected in 57.9% (n=62) of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for GeneXpert Ultra were found 83.7%, 63.8%, 20.4% and 97.2% respectively. According to the lancet score, 70.1% (n=75) and 29.9% (n=32) of patients had probable and possible CNS TB, respectively. Among them, definitive CNS TB were diagnosed in 65.3% (n=49) and 65.6% (n=21) patients with probable and possible CNS TB, respectively. Conclusion GeneXpert Ultra has an excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of CNS TB in CSF samples. Even with possible CNS TB according to the lancet score, it is better to consider antitubercular treatment in a high TB burden country. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

GeneXpert: A Rapid and Supplementary Diagnostic Tool for Tuberculous Meningitis, Experience from Tertiary Neurocenter.

Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a highly lethal form of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) that causes high mortality and morbidity in children and adults. Nonspecific clinical presentation and fewer TB bacilli challenge clinicians resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the utility of GeneXpert alone and in combination with culture using 1 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a volume constraint situation. Methods A total of 125 clinically confirmed TBM and 110 non-TBM cases, comprised of both infectious and noninfectious diseases. were included in the study. Patient details including clinical signs and symptoms, CSF, and imaging data were collected from the case records. CSF samples were obtained from all the patients and were tested by the mycobacterial culture method and GeneXpert test. The performance of both the tests was statistically calculated and reported in the form of sensitivity and specificity. Results Out of 125 TBM cases, 40 were detected positive by culture and 26 by GeneXpert. All 110 non-TBM cases were identified negative by both methods. The sensitivity and specificity of GeneXpert in comparison with culture were 27 and 100%, respectively. The culture was found to be more sensitive (32%) than GeneXpert. But the assay was able to detect a considerable number of clinically confirmed culture-negative TBM cases. Conclusion GeneXpert is a rapid test and including this as an adjunctive test along with the culture in routine clinical practice can improve the diagnosis of TBM in volume constraint scenario.

Absence of posterior pituitary bright spot in adults with CNS tuberculosis: A case-control study.

Current diagnostic methods used in Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS TB) are limited by the paucibacillary nature of this form of tuberculosis. Posterior pituitary bright spot (PPBS) refers to an area of T1 hyperintensity in the posterior pituitary in MR imaging of the brain. It is found in 80-90% of healthy children and adults. In children with CNS TB, nearly half have absence of PPBS. This finding has not been described in adults. Our study looked for absence of PPBS in MR imaging and its association with CNS tuberculosis. To study prevalence of the absence of PPBS in patients with CNS tuberculosis when compared to a control group of normal patients. This was a retrospective case-control study of 100 patients with CNS tuberculosis and 200 controls (matched in 1:2 ratio) of patients with normal MRI brain. The MRI images were presented to a blinded radiologist in a randomised sequence to report for absence of PPBS. The data was subsequently analysed to look for association of absence of PPBS with CNS tuberculosis. Absence of PPBS (cases (47%), controls (8.5%)) was significantly associated with CNS tuberculosis in (Odds ratio-7.90, 95%CI 4.04-15.44, P-value<0.0001). The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and positive likelihood ratio are 91.5%, 47%, 73.4% and 5.53 respectively. Adding of absence of PPBS as an additional radiological feature in diagnosis of CNS TB increased the sensitivity from 77% to 84%. Absence of PPBS is significantly associated with CNS tuberculosis and could be a relatively simple diagnostic aid in the diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis.

Drug Resistance in Children with Central Nervous System Tuberculosis from a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai

Central Nervous System tuberculosis (CNS-TB) is the most lethal form of extra-pulmonary TB, especially in children. In this study, we have discussed patterns of drug resistance in pediatric CNS-TB. Prospective observational study conducted on 100 children at a tertiary care center. Diagnosed cases of CNS-TB were enrolled. GeneXpert MTB/RIF was used upfront for diagnosis, and in cases where TB MGIT culture was positive, a phenotypic Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) was done. Patients were divided into resistant to at least one drug (DR) and drug-susceptible (DS). Various parameters were compared between these groups. Mean age of participants was 5.84 ± 3.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.08 : 1; 14% of children had drug-resistant CNS TB (DR-CNS-TB). A higher proportion of children previously treated for TB were associated with drug resistance (p = 0.009), and those with disseminated TB also had a higher drug resistance (p = 0.002). Apart from this, the DR and DS groups had no statistically significant differences in demographic, clinical or epidemiological parameters. Previous history of being treated for TB and disseminated TB was an independent risk factor for DR-CNS-TB. Ensuring proper adherence and compliance to anti-tubercular treatment could help in preventing the emergence of DR TB.

DISSEMINATED TB IN A PREGNANT PATIENT

TOPIC: Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Disease TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: In the United States, most cases occur in foreign-born individuals immigrating from countries with high rates of endemic TB [1]. Aggressive dissemination of tuberculosis related to pregnancy is rarely reported in the literature; the incidence of TB in pregnancy ranges between 1 and 2% [2, 3]. We report a pregnant patient with the dissemination of tuberculosis who developed CNS symptoms and was found to have numerous brain tuberculomas. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old F P1001 25+5wga, HIV-negative Haitian woman, presented with a non-productive cough and right lower quadrant pain. Patient-reported recent travel to Haiti and history of positive quantiferon test noted during the prenatal period with subsequent negative chest x-ray screening.Initially, during the admission, she started to have low-grade fevers and was saturating 96% on room air. Labs were significant for elevated LFTs and ALK-PHOS. Initial chest x-ray showed bilateral infiltrates. A follow-up chest-CT demonstrated diffuse reticulonodular pattern bilaterally with no lymphadenopathy. There was a concern for multi-systemic sarcoidosis. ACE and 1,25-(OH)2 Vitamin D levels were elevated.The hospital course was complicated by new-onset lethargy and the development of late fetal decelerations, resulting in an emergent caesarian section. Pulse dose steroids were given for presumed multisystemic sarcoidosis.Three days post-delivery, the patient endorsed persistent headaches. An acute change in mentation was noted on the neurological exam, raising concern for a CNS infection. CT head revealed non-obstructive hydrocephalus and hypodensities in the bilateral parietal regions. Follow-up MRI showed ring-enhancing lesions, along with cerebral vasculitis seen on MRA. The pathology report from the placental tissue showed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation and an abundance of acid-fast bacillus. Emergently, the patient was started on treatment for tuberculomas of the brain. DISCUSSION: Meningitis and tuberculoma are the two most common forms of intracranial tuberculosis [4]. CNS TB is uncommon in HIV-negative patients [5]. The pathogenesis of TB of the brain initially starts with a rupture of rich focus into the subarachnoid space, heralding the onset of meningitis. The subsequent development of adhesions results in neurological sequelae [6]. Cerebral imaging is essential to establish the diagnosis of and disclose hydrocephalus, basilar meningeal thickening, and tuberculomas [3]. CONCLUSIONS: Although a multidisciplinary approach was taken, we feel that the administration of pulse dose steroids allowed the reactivation of disseminated TB, ultimately resulting in our patient's demise. REFERENCE #1: Amin S, Stone D, Anderlind C. A 32-Year-Old Woman With Miscarriage, Headache, Hepatitis, and Pulmonary Disease. Chest. 2019 Apr;155(4):e101-e105. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2018.10.001. PMID: 30955580. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Rosa Arancibia, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Felicia Canaday, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Andrew Doodnauth, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Khawaja Omar, source=Web Response

Predictors of outcomes in children with Central Nervous System tuberculosis

BackgroundCentral Nervous system tuberculosis (CNS–Tb) is the most lethal form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in children. The lack of markers of outcome provides little information on the efficacy of the current treatment protocols for CNS–Tb and thus results in a higher mortality rate than other extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis. This study aims to identify significant factors that will reliably predict the outcomes at discharge in children admitted with CNS–Tb. Methods and materialThis is a prospective observational study in children with neurotuberculosis admitted at a tertiary care hospital. Clinical presentations at the time of admission were studied. Outcomes at the end of in-patient care (completely cured, survival with some/severe disability or death) were correlated with clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and radiological parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to study the parameters and a p-value ≤ 0.05 with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was considered as statistically significant. FindingsThe study included 100 children between 4 months and 12 years of age with a mean of 5.84 (±3.5) years. At discharge, 55% of children recovered completely, 20% had some or severe disability and 25% died. On multivariate analysis, high CSF protein (p = 0.050) and drug resistance (p = 0.034) were highly associated with fatality. Meningeal enhancements with basal exudates (p = 0.021) and CSF lymphocyte count >90% were highly associated with survival with disability. Stage I disease at presentation (p < 0.0001) was the only variable associated with complete recovery. InterpretationReliable prognostic markers for CNS–Tb can aid in predicting the efficacy of the current treatment and the anticipated outcome in the children with this disease. FundingThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Association with HIV in Patients Hospitalized in a Tertiary Care Center

Context: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) presentation can be unusual, and the diagnosis may often be challenging when associated with HIV. Aims: This study was conducted to find out the pattern of newly diagnosed EPTB in hospitalized patients, the diagnostic modalities used to arrive at the diagnosis, frequency of HIV positivity among them, and its association with CD4 counts. Settings and Design: All patients newly diagnosed to have EPTB admitted in a tertiary care medical college hospital in various departments over 1 year were included. Methods and Materials: Clinical presentation, comorbidities, and investigations done to arrive at diagnosis of EPTB were recorded. They were classified based on the affected site. HIV was tested for all patients, and CD4 counts in positive patients. Results: A total of 230 patients were newly diagnosed to have EPTB. The median age was 35 years (IQR 29–45), and the proportion of males was 127 (55%). Imaging was used alone in 47 (20%) patients and in combination with cytology or biopsy in 133 (57.8%) patients to establish the diagnosis. Pleural effusion, 50 (21.7%) patients, peripheral lymph node TB (LNTB), 44 (19.1%) patients, and CNS TB, 37 (16.1%) patients, were the most common forms. HIV was associated in 61 (26.5%) patients and diabetes in 27 (11.5%) patients. Both diseases influenced the presentation of EPTB. There was an association between HIV positivity and type of EPTB with peripheral LNTB being the most common in HIV patients. High CD4 counts were associated with pleural effusion and low counts with disseminated forms. Statistical Analysis Used: chi-square, ANOVA, and Student t test. Conclusion: The pattern of EPTB changes with HIV and vigilance is required to detect severe and disseminated forms of EPTB with lower CD4 counts.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in non human immunodeficiency viruses children on anti tubercular treatment

The term IRIS is almost solely used in human immunodeficiency virus seropositive patients who initiated anti-retroviral therapy (ART), the term paradoxical reaction is generally used to describe a clinical worsening of tuberculosis disease after the initiation of antituberculosis treatment. Distinguishing this paradoxical reaction (PR) from disease progression or treatment failure is an important issue in CNS tuberculosis management. Thus, one must keep a watch for neurological deterioration in a child with Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB). We are presenting a case of a non-Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) child who developed TB-IRIS while on anti-tubercular drugs, who subsequently responded to steroids along with continuation of antitubercular treatment (ATT).

Pott’s Spine with Tubercular Meningitis and Primary Optic Atrophy: An Enigma with a Rare Cautionary Tale

AbstractTuberculosis of spine, known as Pott’s spine, is a significant health risk. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis with lack of timely interventions lead to serious neurological complications and is associated with morbidity and mortality. We present a case of Pott’s spine who developed tubercular meningitis with decreased vision due to primary optic atrophy, to highlight the significance of thorough clinical and neuroradiological workup with instillation of prompt antitubercular therapy in patients of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB). This association of Pott’s spine with decreased vision secondary to primary optic atrophy due to tubercular involvement of the second cranial nerve is very rare. Here, associated risk factors, varied clinical presentations, complications, and treatment of CNS TB are reviewed.

An uncommon cause of young stroke

Central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) which accounts for 1-10% of all cases of TB can rarely present with cerebrovascular disease which is a serious complication. We present a young patient with an acute stroke as the first manifestation of CNS tuberculosis. 15 year boy presented with sudden left hemiplegia. He was previously well apart from a few days of loss of appetite. He additionally had unexplained neurology of a dilated, reactive pupil on the left. His CSF was infected with a lymphocytic pleocytosis, high protein and a significant sugar drop. In spite of empirical anti – meningitis therapy he deteriorated. MRI brain revealed a right basal ganglia T2 Hyper intensities which later became bilateral on T2/Flair with diffusion restriction on DWI and patchy contrast enhancement. [Fig 1and 2] He also developed autonomic instability. Empirical treatment with anti TB drugs and corticosteroids was commenced. PCR Gene-X pert subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of CNS TB. Tuberculous cerebrovascular disease is a serious complication of CNS TB. Most TBM associated brain infarcts are multiple, bilateral, symmetric, located in the deep gray matter. Infiltrative, proliferative and necrotising vessel pathologies have been described. There is some evidence that vasospasm may mediate stroke early in the course of the disease and proliferative intimal disease in later. CNS TB should be considered a cause in young stroke patients with unexplained cranial neuropathy and constitutional symptoms. A delay in diagnosis can lead to serious complications.