Meningeal Enhancement Research Articles

Dengue Encephalopathy, its Presentations and Outcome, A Study on 200 Dengue Encephalopathy Patients in Tertiary Level Hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: Dengue encephalopathy represents a severe neurological complication of dengue infection, yet comprehensive data from Bangladesh remains limited despite the country's high disease burden. Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, neuroimaging findings, and outcomes of dengue encephalopathy cases in Bangladesh, and to identify prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study examined 200 cases of dengue encephalopathy across five tertiary care centers in Bangladesh from January 2020 to December 2023. Diagnosis was confirmed through NS1 antigen and/or dengue-specific antibody testing. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, neuroimaging findings, and outcomes were analyzed using standardized protocols. Results: The cohort (59% male; mean age 34.6±15.3 years) showed neurological manifestations at a median of 5.2 days post-fever onset. Common presentations included altered consciousness (100%), seizures (43%), and focal neurological deficits (27%). Significant neuroimaging findings were observed in 56% of cases, predominantly cerebral edema (28.5%) and meningeal enhancement (17%). ICU admission was required in 43% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 12%, while 71% achieved complete neurological recovery. Multivariate analysis identified GCS <8 at admission (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.1-6.9), presence of shock (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.8-4.7), and platelet count <20,000/µL (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.8) as independent predictors of poor outcomes. Conclusion: Dengue encephalopathy in Bangladesh presents with distinct clinical patterns and carries significant mortality risk. Early recognition of prognostic factors, standardized management protocols, and adequate critical care support are crucial for improving outcomes. The findings provide a framework for managing similar cases in endemic regions and highlight areas for future research.

Seronegative brucella meningitis diagnosed by CSF PCR: report on seven cases

IntroductionNeurobrucellosis (NB) can be associated with meningitis and present as a headache with or without meningeal signs. Pseudotumor presentation of NB has been reported to be accompanied by lymphocytic predominant cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) pleocytosis. NB is diagnosed by means of isolation of Brucella from blood or CSF and/or the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies in the CSF. Molecular techniques have been used in chronic or challenging cases of NB.Clinical findingsWe report on seven cases of NB presenting with different types of headache and signs of meningeal involvement. In five cases, signs of intracranial hypertension were evident in the form of papilledema, sixth nerve palsy and blurred vision.DiagnosisMRIs of the brain revealed signs of intracranial hypertension in three patients, basal meningeal enhancement in one patient and white matter lesions in one patient. Brucella serology in the blood and CSF was negative in all patients. It was interesting that four patients had normocellular CSF analysis with normal glucose and protein results. The diagnosis was made by Brucella PCR in all patients.ConclusionNB should be considered in the differential diagnoses of pseudotumor cerebri syndrome in endemic areas. It is important to employ molecular techniques using sterile CSF samples in the investigation of Brucella.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in the UK and their clinical significance: 53 cases (2013-2021).

To describe the MRI findings in a UK referral population of dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis and to determine if they were associated with any specific clinical features or outcomes. We performed a multi-centre retrospective case series of dogs diagnosed with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in the UK that underwent MRI. Blinded consensus review of the MRI studies was performed and the findings described. The presence or absence of specific MRI abnormalities were analysed for significant associations with presenting signs, results of investigations or case outcomes. Fifty-three dogs were included. The most common MRI findings were paravertebral muscle changes (30/53; 56.6%), meningeal contrast enhancement (13/41; 31.7%) and spinal cord parenchymal T2-W hyperintensity (15/53; 28.3%). Haemorrhage was observed in five of 53 (9.4%) cases - three intradural-extramedullary, one intramedullary and one extradural. Following binary logistic regressions, T2-W spinal cord parenchymal hyperintensity had a significant positive association with paresis/paralysis (odds ratio 14.86, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 154.99) as did haemorrhage (odds ratio 16.12, confidence interval 2.05 to 126.73). Fifty-two (98.1%) dogs survived to discharge. Relapse occurred in nine of 29 (31.0%) dogs with sufficient follow-up, and no MRI finding had a significant relationship with its occurrence. Magnetic resonance imaging findings for steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis can be severe and extensive, as can the clinical presentation. The presence of paresis/paralysis should raise concern for haemorrhage, though most dogs still have a good prognosis.

MOG Antibody-Associated Optic Neuritis and Meningeal Enhancement Post Varicella in a Child.

MOG Antibody-Associated Optic Neuritis and Meningeal Enhancement Post Varicella in a Child.

Pooled analysis of multiple sclerosis findings on multisite 7 Tesla MRI: Protocol and initial observations.

Although 7 T MRI research has contributed much to our understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology, most prior data has come from small, single-center studies with varying methods. In order to truly know if such findings have widespread applicability, multicenter methods and studies are needed. To address this, members of the North American Imaging in MS (NAIMS) Cooperative worked together to create a multicenter collaborative study of 7 T MRI in MS. In this manuscript, we describe the methods we have developed for the purpose of pooling together a large, retrospective dataset of 7 T MRIs acquired in multiple MS studies at five institutions. To date, this group has contributed five-hundred and twenty-eight 7 T MRI scans from 350 individuals with MS to a common data repository, with plans to continue to increase this sample size in the coming years. We have developed unified methods for image processing for data harmonization and lesion identification/segmentation. We report here our initial observations on intersite differences in acquisition, which includes site/device differences in brain coverage and image quality. We also report on the development of our methods and training of image evaluators, which resulted in median Dice Similarity Coefficients for trained raters' annotation of cortical and deep gray matter lesions, paramagnetic rim lesions, and meningeal enhancement between 0.73 and 0.82 compared to final consensus masks. We expect this publication to act as a resource for other investigators aiming to combine multicenter 7 T MRI datasets for the study of MS, in addition to providing a methodological reference for all future analysis projects to stem from the development of this dataset.

A child with recurrent headache, fever and diffuse meningeal enhancement on MRI.

Juvenile neurolupus presents primarily with neuropsychiatric manifestations which may also be the initial presentation. Such primary neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) events are a consequence either of microvasculopathy and thrombosis, or of autoantibodies and inflammatory mediators. Diagnosis of NPSLE requires the exclusion of other causes, and clinical assessment directs the selection of appropriate investigations. These investigations include measurement of autoantibodies, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, electrophysiological studies, neuropsychological assessment and neuroimaging to evaluate brain structure and function. In our patient, the disease presented with chronic headache initially diagnosed as migraine, followed by fever and paraparesis. Fundoscopy showed retinal haemorrhages. Investigations revealed anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and raised inflammatory markers (ESR 119mm/h CRP 58mg/L) and high globulin. MRI brain showed diffuse meningeal enhancement resembling meningitis but CSF analysis was normal. ANA and dsDNA were positive with low C3, C4. All diffuse meningeal enhancements may not be meningitis and one needs to corroborate all the clinical, biochemical and imaging analyses to come to a diagnosis.

A Middle-Aged Patient Living with HIV (PLHIV), Presented with Persistent Hiccups, Imbalance, and Multifocal Myoclonus Secondary to Disseminated Tuberculosis

AbstractA middle aged male presented with chronic diarrhoea, persistent hiccups and unsteadiness while walking. His illness had subacute onset and progressive course. Clinically patient had cachexia, pallor, oral thrush and hepatosplenomegaly. On neurological examination, he had fine tremors, gait ataxia, and multifocal myoclonus. Investigations revealed normochromic normocytic anemia, transaminitis, hyponatremia and cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis(lymphocytic predominance). Brain MRI revealed diffuse patchy meningeal enhancement; CECT abdomen showed circumferential bowel wall thickening, hepatosplenomegaly and necrotic lymphadenopathy. CECT chest exhibited mediastinal lymphadenopathy alongwith centrilobular nodular opacities. Sputum GeneXpert® was positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis with sensitivity to rifampicin. His serology for human immunodeficiency virus was positive. He was diagnosed as disseminated tuberculosis with tuberculer meningitis which caused persistent hiccups, gait abnormaliy and multifocal myoclonus. His symptom resolved with anti tubercular therapy. We aim to highlight here that myoclonus is a rare occurrence with tubercular meningitis.

Association between neuroimaging and clinical outcomes in individuals with central nervous system cryptococcosis.

The radiological manifestations of central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis are diverse and often subtle. There is heterogeneity on how different neuroimaging patterns impact prognosis. This study aims to assess the association between the neuroimaging and clinical outcomes of CNS cryptococcosis. All patients with CNS cryptococcosis between July 2017 and April 2023 who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. The primary outcome was mortality during hospitalisation. Secondary outcomes were readmission, ventricular shunting, duration of hospitalisation and time to the first negative cerebrospinal fluid culture. We compared the outcomes for each of the five main radiological findings on the brain MRI scan. We included 46 proven CNS cryptococcosis cases. The two main comorbidity groups were HIV infection (20, 43%) and solid organ transplantation (10, 22%), respectively. Thirty-nine patients exhibited at least one radiological abnormality (85%), with the most common being meningeal enhancement (34, 74%). The mortality rates occurred at 11% (5/46) during hospitalisation. We found no significant disparities in mortality related to distinct radiological patterns. The presence of pseudocysts was significantly associated with the need for readmission (p = .027). The ventricular shunting was significantly associated with the presence of pseudocysts (p = .005) and hydrocephalus (p = .044). In this study, there is no association between brain MRI findings and mortality. Larger studies are needed to evaluate this important issue.

Meningeal contrast enhancement in multiple sclerosis: Assessment of field strength, acquisition delay, and clinical relevance.

Leptomeningeal enhancement (LME) on post-contrast FLAIR is described as a potential biomarker of meningeal inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we report an assessment of the impact of MRI field strength and acquisition timing on meningeal contrast enhancement (MCE). This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 95 participants with MS and 17 healthy controls (HC) subjects. Each participant underwent an MRI of the brain on both a 7 Tesla (7T) and 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner. 7T protocols included a FLAIR image before, soon after (Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR), and 23 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR). 3T protocol included FLAIR before and 21 minutes after gadolinium (Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR). LME was seen in 23.3% of participants with MS on Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR, 47.4% on Gd+ Early 7T FLAIR (p = 0.002) and 57.9% on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). The count and volume of LME, leptomeningeal and paravascular enhancement (LMPE), and paravascular and dural enhancement (PDE) were all highest for Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR and lowest for Gd+ Delayed 3T FLAIR. Non-significant trends were seen for higher proportion, counts, and volumes for LME and PDE in MS compared to HCs. The rate of LMPE was different between MS and HCs on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR (98.9% vs 82.4%, p = 0.003). MS participants with LME on Gd+ Delayed 7T FLAIR were older (47.6 (10.6) years) than those without (42.0 (9.7), p = 0.008). 7T MRI and a delay after contrast injection increased sensitivity for all forms of MCE. However, the lack of difference between groups for LME and its association with age calls into question its relevance as a biomarker of meningeal inflammation in MS.

Radiological features of patients with headache as a presenting symptom of neurosarcoidosis.

To describe the radiological features of patients with headache as a presenting symptom of neurosarcoidosis. Neurologic complications occur in approximately 5%-10% of patients with sarcoidosis, and approximately 50% of these patients have neurologic deficits at the time sarcoidosis is first diagnosed. A wide spectrum of central and peripheral nervous system clinical manifestations may be observed, including cranial nerve palsies, sensory and/or motor deficits, and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in patients with neurosarcoidosis may include abnormal contrast enhancement, structural masses, and demyelinating lesions. This single-center retrospective cohort study assessed patients who were diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis in an urban tertiary care center between 1995 and 2016. We included patients who had MRI results at the time of diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of headache as a presenting symptom. The MRI result of meningeal contrast enhancement was reviewed. Of the 110 patients analyzed, 30 (27.3%) had an initial presenting symptom of headache while 80 (72.7%) did not. Patients with headache had a higher proportion of meningeal contrast enhancement on MRI (66.7% [20/30] vs. 25.0% [20/80]; p < 0.001) and leptomeningeal involvement (53.3% [16/30] vs. 7.5% [6/80], p < 0.001) compared to patients with no headache. However, those with headache had a lower proportion of spinal cord localization (13.8% [4/29] vs. 34.2% [26/76], p = 0.038) and intraparenchymal central nervous system involvement (16.7% [5/30] vs. 51.3% [41/80], p = 0.001) compared to patients with no headache. Patients with neurosarcoidosis who presented with headache as an initial symptom had a higher proportion of meningeal contrast enhancement seen by MRI than patients who presented with other neurological symptoms. This suggests a clinico-radiologic link between headache and meningeal disruption in patients with neurosarcoidosis.

Case Report: A rare case of Intracranial tuberculous granuloma (tuberculoma) in a 19-year -old male

A tuberculoma is a clinical sign of tuberculosis that combines tubercles into a solid mass and can resemble several forms of malignant tumors on imaging. They frequently develop in people whose original tuberculosis infection is not well controlled. When they develop intracranially, tuberculomas are symptoms of CNS tuberculosis Meningitis, radiculomyelitis, bony spinal disease, and tuberculoma/tuberculous abscess are some of the symptoms of neurological tuberculosis (TB) that can also arise intracranially or in the spinal canal. comparable to other neurological TB symptoms. The majority of the time, the diagnosis of cerebral tuberculoma is presumptive and is based on radiological findings, additional supportive TB evidence from other areas, and treatment response. However, despite adequate TB treatment and concomitant corticosteroid therapy, lesions may persist for many years, as the therapeutic response of tuberculomas is unpredictable. A 19-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital for medical treatment complained of abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, generalized weakness, fever, and chills. According to the patient’s complaints, my patient has a history of tonic-clonic seizures dating back a month, as well as a history of typhoid fever and sickle cell disease AS pattern, both of which he had been receiving treatment at a civil hospital. At the time of admission, he had undergone a number of invasive and non-invasive investigations, including a CT brain plane and an MRI brain with contrast. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed a persistent lacunar infarct in the left corona radiata. Acute infarct in the right corona radiata, abnormal meningeal enhancement on post-contrast with meningitis, multiple ring-enhancing lesions in the bilateral cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum, corpus callosum, and intracranial tuberculous granuloma are all revealed by MRI with contrast. left corona radiata chronic infarction.

Chronic meningitis in adults: a comparison between neurotuberculosis and neurobrucellosis

BackgroundIn regions endemic for tuberculosis and brucellosis, distinguishing between tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and brucella meningitis (BM) poses a substantial challenge. This study investigates the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with TBM and BM.MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with either TBM or BM who were admitted to two referral hospitals between March 2015 and October 2022, were included, and the characteristics of the patients were analyzed.ResultsSeventy patients formed the study group, 28 with TBM and 42 with BM, were included. TBM patients had a 2.06-fold (95% CI: 1.26 to 3.37, P-value: 0.003) higher risk of altered consciousness and a 4.80-fold (95% CI: 1.98 to 11.61, P-value: < 0.001) higher risk of extra-neural involvement as compared to BM patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a significantly higher percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in TBM compared to BM (Standardized mean difference: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.18 to 1.20, P-value: 0.008). Neuroimaging findings indicated higher risks of hydrocephalus (P-value: 0.002), infarction (P-value: 0.029), and meningeal enhancement (P-value: 0.012) in TBM compared to BM. Moreover, TBM patients had a 67% (95% CI: 21% to 131%, P-value:0.002) longer median length of hospital stay and a significantly higher risk of unfavorable outcomes (Risk ratio: 6.96, 95% CI: 2.65 to 18.26, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study emphasizes that TBM patients displayed increased frequencies of altered consciousness, PMN dominance in CSF, extra-neural involvement, hydrocephalus, meningeal enhancement, and brain infarction. The findings emphasize the diagnostic difficulties and underscore the importance of cautious differentiation between these two conditions to guide appropriate treatment strategies.

E032 Low dose methotextrate induced leukoencephalopathy: a case report

Abstract Background/Aims Methotextrate is a widely used disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat connective tissue disorder and inflammatory arthritis. Methotextrate induced neurological toxicity includes vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, mood alteration, somolescence, brain fog, hyperosmia, leukoencephalopathy and pseudo-stroke like syndrome. Here we report a case of methotextrate induced headache with leptomeningeal enhancement, which reversed after stopping the methotextrate. Methods A 66 year old male with known diagnosis of sero-positive rheumatoid arthritis with past medical history of Hodgkins lymphoma in remission. He started on dual DMARD combination of 15 mg methotextrate subcutaneously once a week and 200 mg hydroxychlroquin twice daily. Thereafter he reported history of headaches, which needed hospital admission. He underwent a CT-head scan on admission which did not show any acute concerns. The case was then discussed with the haematology team and later he underwent a PET scan of the whole body which was reviewed in Lymphoma MDT which showed non-specific uptake in hilar nodes, which does not significantly increase the suspicion of lymphoma relapse. On discharge he had MRI head contrast and MRV cerebral veins, which showed a few areas of irregular nodular curvilinear foci of predominantly meningeal enhancement noted in occipital lobes and adjacent T2 /flair hypertense signal noted in relation to these. These changes were discussed in neurology MDT, given the history of lymphomas a possibility, though rare in the absence of systemic relapse. The differential included low dose (oral) methotextrate related neurotoxicity. Patient was advised to stop methotextrate, they repeated MRI scan 3 weeks later which showed disappearance of the curvilinear lesions with leptomeningeal enhancement and patient reported headaches improved. Results List of investigations 1. CSF- profile, no protein, no growth 2. CSF PCR panel for Adeno/Paracheo/Entero/Varicella Zoster/HSV type 1&amp;2-negative 3. Histology report of CSF- No evidence of lymphoma 4. Neuronal Ab: Purkinje cell/ Hu Ab/Ri Ab amd Anti-amphiphysin Ab-negative 5. Myeloma screen- no paraprotein detected 6. Virus panel- EBV- IgM-, HIV /Hep B and C, Cytomegalovirus IgM-not detected. Conclusion Methotextrate is a potent anti-metabolite preventing the formation of tetrahydrofolate, and used as immunosuppressant and anti-neoplastic medication. Though the exact mechanism of the neurotoxicity is not known, the common hypothesis include; interference with myelin synthesis or maintenance and/or interference with neurotransmitter synthesis. The case reported here reiterates the importance of recognizing the neurological side effects in patients on methotextrate even on low dose of methotextrate. It also emphasizes the fact that the neurological changes are reversible on stopping methotextrate. Headaches can still be a side effect and might mimic stroke like episode in patients treated with low dose of subcutaneous methotextrate and hence stopping the medication should be considered in such cases. Disclosure P. Doddamani: None. A. Kinder: None.

HIV–A prognostic factor of tuberculous meningitis: A retrospective cohort study among adults in peninsular Malaysia

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Tuberculous meningitis is a major public health issue, despite showing low incidence, tuberculous meningitis causes substantial mortality. For better clinical management, identification of prognostic factors is crucial to reduce health risk of Malaysian society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors of adult tuberculous meningitis in peninsular Malaysia.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Materials &amp;amp; methods:&lt;/b&gt; Initially, a retrospective cohort study and one-year of follow-up period was carried out. In addition, a total of 217 adult tuberculous meningitis patients treated or had follow-up in four tertiary hospitals in peninsular Malaysia were recruited. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to perform multivariable analysis.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The overall survival probability of adult tuberculous meningitis was 36.8% with median survival time 244 days. Significant prognostic factors were Glasgow coma scale score (aHR=0.71, 95% CI=0.65, 0.76; p&amp;lt;0.001), HIV status (aHR=1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19, 3.15; p=0.008), headache (aHR=0.48, 95% CI=0.31, 0.76; p=0.002) and meningeal enhancement (aHR=0.47, 95% CI=0.30, 0.74; p=0.001), nausea (aHR=2.21, 95% CI=1.33, 3.66; p=0.002), and vomit (aHR=0.58, 95% CI=0.36, 0.93; p=0.023).&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Evidently, the survival of among adults with tuberculous meningitis was low. Since HIV positive has a significant influence in mortality; early screening, diagnosis, and prompt treatment in this subgroup of patients play a key role in survival.

Acute ischemic stroke in tuberculous meningitis.

The underlying mechanism for stroke in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in TBM and whether AIS mediates the relationship between inflammation markers and functional disability. TBM patients admitted to five hospitals between January 2011 and December 2021 were consecutively observed. Generalized linear mixed model and subgroup analyses were performed to investigate predictors of AIS in patients with and without vascular risk factors (VAFs). Mediation analyses were performed to explore the potential causal chain in which AIS may mediate the relationship between neuroimaging markers of inflammation and 90-day functional outcomes. A total of 1,353 patients with TBM were included. The percentage rate of AIS within 30 days after admission was 20.4 (95% CI, 18.2-22.6). A multivariate analysis suggested that age ≥35 years (OR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.06-2.09; P = 0.019), hypertension (OR = 3.56; 95% CI, 2.42-5.24; P < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.11-2.86; P = 0.016), smoking (OR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.68-4.95; P < 0.001), definite TBM (OR = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.42; P < 0.001), disease severity (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.50-2.90; P = 0.056), meningeal enhancement (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.19-2.31; P = 0.002), and hydrocephalus (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.98-4.49; P < 0.001) were associated with AIS. Subgroup analyses indicated that disease severity (P for interaction = 0.003), tuberculoma (P for interaction = 0.008), and meningeal enhancement (P for interaction < 0.001) were significantly different in patients with and without VAFs. Mediation analyses revealed that the proportion of the association between neuroimaging markers of inflammation and functional disability mediated by AIS was 16.98% (95% CI, 7.82-35.12) for meningeal enhancement and 3.39% (95% CI, 1.22-6.91) for hydrocephalus. Neuroimaging markers of inflammation were predictors of AIS in TBM patients. AIS mediates < 20% of the association between inflammation and the functional outcome at 90 days. More attention should be paid to clinical therapies targeting inflammation and hydrocephalus to directly improve functional outcomes.

Risk Factors for Stroke in Children with Tuberculous Meningitis: A Prospective Observational Study.

The purpose of the study is to establish the prevalence of stroke as well as the clinical and radiological correlates of stroke in children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). A prospective observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Department, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Using a computed tomography (CT) scan/brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), patients were divided into stroke and non-stroke groups. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, cerebrospinal fluid examination, basal meningeal enhancement, hydrocephalus, tuberculoma, and clinical outcome were compared between the two groups. Seventy-eight TBM patients, aged between 6 months and 14 years, were included. Out of 78 enrolled patients, 3 (3.8%) had definite TBM, 73 (91%) had probable TBM, and 4 (5.1%) had possible TBM (LCS). As per the Medical Research Council (MRC) staging, 13% had Stage 1 TBM, 26% had stage 2, and 61% had stage 3 TBM. Out of 78 patients with chest X-ray findings, 42 (53%) had findings suggestive of tuberculosis (TB), which included 33 (42%) with hilar lymphadenopathy and 9 (11%) with a miliary pattern. On neuroimaging, hydrocephalous was seen in 62.8% of cases, basal meningeal enhancement in 64.1%, tuberculoma in 6.4% of cases, and infarction in 53.8% of cases. There was no statistically significant association found between the staging of TBM and the presence of infarction as the majority of cases involved were in stage 3 of the disease (61.5%). TBM patients with stroke had poor clinical outcomes. Age, altered sensorium, focal neurological deficits, vomiting, and basal meningeal enhancement can predict the occurrence of stroke in young adults with TBM.

Frequency of neuro-imaging in the emergency room in patients with vertigo: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

To determine the frequency of neuro-imaging and the prevalence of positive findings in patients with vertigo visiting an emergency room of a low-middle-income-country, Pakistan. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency room of the Aga Khan University Hospital, a 550 bedded tertiary care teaching facility located in Karachi, Pakistan. The frequency of neuro-imaging in patients visiting emergency room with vertigo during 20 years (2000-2020), their findings and disposition was calculated in percentages. A cost-analysis was performed in Pakistani Rupees & US Dollars to estimate the financial burden. During the emergency room visits for vertigo, neuro-imaging (CT scans, MRIs, or both) was conducted for 159 patients, accounting for 70.98% of the cases. Out of these, 64 individuals (40.25%) received a positive diagnosis, which included acute infarcts, hemorrhages, metastases, space-occupying lesions, and meningeal enhancements. Interestingly, among those with negative findings, the 98 patients faced significantly higher costs, amounting to Rs.4,108,000 ($22,449), in contrast to the positive cases, which incurred Rs.2,496,600 ($13,642). The frequency of obtaining neuro-imaging tests in patients with vertigo were significantly high in our study. In addition, there was a significant financial burden associated with neuro-imaging especially for our low-middle-income country.

Neurological manifestations in dogs with acute leukemia.

Canine acute leukemia is a rare hematopoietic neoplasm. Neurological abnormalities have been frequently reported in dogs with acute leukemia (AL). However, the description of the presentation and findings are limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical findings in dogs with acute leukemia presenting with neurological signs as their primary complaint. The database of a private referral hospital was searched for cases that presented to the neurological department with neurological deficits and were subsequently diagnosed with acute leukemia. Six cases were included; all had neurological clinical signs and an abnormal neurological examination. All cases had a focal neuroanatomical localisation on neurological examination (brain n = 4; spinal = 2). Out of the four dogs with a complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, there was an ill-defined infiltrative pattern with abnormal signal intensity in the central nervous system (CNS) in three dogs and the loss of grey and white matter differentiation in the brain (n = 2) and/or spinal cord (n = 2). Other MRI findings included abnormal meningeal enhancement (n = 3), changes affecting spinal nerves and epaxial muscles (n = 2), and lymphadenopathy in the field of view (n = 2). The bone marrow assessment on MRI showed evidence of signal change (n = 3), characterized by a loss of normal fat opacity and an abnormal degree of contrast enhancement. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis of the four dogs showed an increased protein level with non-specific pleocytosis and without evidence of malignant cells. Treatment with cytotoxic medication was implemented in two dogs. The dogs diagnosed with acute leukemia had focal neuroanatomical localisation, an infiltrative CNS pattern, and bone marrow remodulation on MRI with an increase in CSF protein and negative cytology analysis.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Mimicking Otitis Media

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a spectrum of disease characterised by proliferation of Langerhans cells causing local or systemic manifestations. We report a two-year old boy who presented with a two-month history of progressive painless swelling over the right zygomatic region with ipsilateral otorrhea. Radiological investigation revealed an expansile hypodense lesion within the temporal bone with erosion of surrounding structures and meningeal enhancement. An ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. LCH of the temporal bone may masquerade as otitis media with intra-temporal complications. A high index of suspicion is essential to avoid delay in diagnosis and management.

Incidence, risk factors and treatment of central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in non-HIV patients with tuberculous meningitis: a multicentre observational study.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with poor outcomes. To report on risk factors for CNS-IRIS following tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in HIV-negative patients. In this retrospective multicentre study, all HIV-negative adult patients admitted between 2003 and 2021 with microbiologically proven TBM were included. The primary outcome measure was IRIS onset over follow-up. Characteristics of patients who developed IRIS were described. Factors associated with IRIS were identified using a multivariable logistic regression procedure. Fifty-six patients (33.0 (27.0-44.3) years, 39 (69.6%) men) with microbiologically proven TBM were studied. All patients received antituberculosis treatment and 48 (n = 48/56; 85.7%) steroids at TBM diagnosis. During a median follow-up of 18.0 (12.0-27.3) months, IRIS occurred in 28 (n = 28/56, 50.0%) patients, at a median time of 2.0 (1.0-3.0) months after antituberculosis treatment was started. IRIS involved the CNS in all but one case. Imaging revealed new (n = 23/28, 82.1%) and/or worsening (n = 21/28; 75.0%) of previously recognised lesions. Multivariable analysis showed that meningeal enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (odds ratio (OR): 15.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.19-1193.5)) at TBM diagnosis and high blood albumin level (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: (1.02-1.60)) were associated with the occurrence of CNS-IRIS during follow-up. CNS-IRIS following TBM in non-HIV patients appears frequent and severe. Meningeal enhancement on brain MRI at tuberculosis diagnosis is a risk factor for CNS-IRIS.