Syringomyelia as a complication of tuberculous meningitis

J Med Assoc Thai. 2001 Jan;84(1):125-9.

Abstract

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a common manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Syringomyelia is a rare complication of TBM. We report a case of syringomyelia due to TBM. A 25 year old Thai male was admitted with a history of progressive paraparesis and loss of body sensation. He had a history of TBM in the previous year, and was treated with antituberculous drugs. Physical examination revealed a temperature of 37 degrees C. Motor power was grade 3/5 with generalized hyperreflexia. He had bilateral loss of pain, temperature and vibratory sensation below the T7 level. A magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated a long segment of syrinx from C4 to the conus medullaris region. A T12-L1 laminectomy and syringosubarachnoid shunt were done. His clinical symptoms improved after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Syringomyelia / diagnosis
  • Syringomyelia / etiology*
  • Syringomyelia / surgery*
  • Thailand
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / complications*
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitubercular Agents