CT of the brain in tuberculous meningitis: A review of 289 patients

Purpose: In this retrospective study, CT findings of 289 patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) are presented and diagnostic criteria are discussed. Material and methods: The medical records of patients who were diagnosed as having central nervous system tuberculosis were investigated. Cranial CT investigations of 289 patients with TBM were reviewed. Of these 289 patients, 214 were children and 75 adults; 157 patients were male and 132 were female. CT images were obtained with and without i.v. contrast administration. Results: CT findings were normal in 35 patients and abnormal in 254. The abnormalities were hydrocephalus (172 children, 32 adults), parenchymal enhancement (56 children, 6 adults), contrast enhancement of basal cisterns (32 children, 17 adults), cerebral infarct and focal or diffuse brain edema (29 children, 10 adults), and tuberculoma (9 children, 5 adults). Conclusion: CT is pathologic in the great majority of patients with TBM and is helpful in assessing the complications associated with the disease.