Martin Alexander Schaller1, Felix Wicke2, Christian Foerch3, Stefan Weidauer4. 1. Department of Neurology, Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. martinalexander.schaller@kgu.de. 2. Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. 3. Department of Neurology, Goethe University, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. 4. Department of Neurology, Sankt Katharinen Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: As a result of multilateral migration and globalization in times of humanitarian crises, western countries face a possible increase in the incidence of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB). The diagnosis of CNS TB is challenging and often delayed due to the manifold and often non-specific presentation of the disease. The aim of this review is to analyze and summarize imaging features and correlated clinical findings of CNS TB. METHODS: The different manifestations of CNS TB are explained and illustrated by characteristic neuroradiological as well as neuropathological findings. An overview on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is provided. For clarity, tables summarizing the lesion patterns, differential diagnoses and diagnostic hints are added. RESULTS: The CNS TB can be manifested (1) diffuse as tuberculous meningitis (TBM), (2) localized as tuberculoma or (3) tuberculous abscess or (4) in extradural and intradural spinal infections. Information on clinical presentation, underlying pathology and the distinguishing features is demonstrated. The TBM is further described, which may lead to cranial nerve palsy, hydrocephalus and infarction due to associated arteritis of the basal perforators. The differential diagnoses are vast and include other infections, such as bacterial, viral or fungal meningoencephalitis, malignant causes or systemic inflammation with CNS. Complicating factors of diagnosis and treatment are HIV coinfection, multi-drug resistance and TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). CONCLUSIONS: Neurologists and (neuro-)radiologists should be familiar with the neuroradiological presentation and the clinical course of CNS TB to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
PURPOSE: As a result of multilateral migration and globalization in times of humanitarian crises, western countries face a possible increase in the incidence of central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB). The diagnosis of CNS TB is challenging and often delayed due to the manifold and often non-specific presentation of the disease. The aim of this review is to analyze and summarize imaging features and correlated clinical findings of CNS TB. METHODS: The different manifestations of CNS TB are explained and illustrated by characteristic neuroradiological as well as neuropathological findings. An overview on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is provided. For clarity, tables summarizing the lesion patterns, differential diagnoses and diagnostic hints are added. RESULTS: The CNS TB can be manifested (1) diffuse as tuberculous meningitis (TBM), (2) localized as tuberculoma or (3) tuberculous abscess or (4) in extradural and intradural spinal infections. Information on clinical presentation, underlying pathology and the distinguishing features is demonstrated. The TBM is further described, which may lead to cranial nerve palsy, hydrocephalus and infarction due to associated arteritis of the basal perforators. The differential diagnoses are vast and include other infections, such as bacterial, viral or fungal meningoencephalitis, malignant causes or systemic inflammation with CNS. Complicating factors of diagnosis and treatment are HIV coinfection, multi-drug resistance and TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). CONCLUSIONS: Neurologists and (neuro-)radiologists should be familiar with the neuroradiological presentation and the clinical course of CNS TB to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Authors: Bryce K Chang; Jacqueline Adlawan; Samuel Fesenmeier; David Kaminskas; Enrique Carrazana; Kore K Liow Journal: Hawaii J Health Soc Welf Date: 2022-06