Tuberculous meningitis--clinical and epidemiological considerations (a retrospective study 2008-2011)

Abstract

Tuberculous meningitis represents one of the most severe forms of tuberculosis and is often a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The objective of this study is to analyze the cases of tuberculous meningitis in our region.

Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 observation sheets of patients aged 4 months to 84 years, diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, admitted to Infectious Diseases Hospital Iaşi during 2008 to 2011.

Results: Tuberculous meningitis has affected mostly males (65.7%). Only a small proportion of patients (23.68%) had tuberculosis in their personal history. 26.2% were diagnosed also with other localization of tuberculosis (mostly pulmonary). Fever was identified in only 43.4% of cases; 40% of patients had an altered conscience at admission. The outcome was favorable in all cases.

Conclusions: Tuberculous meningitis predominantly affects males, almost equally affects patients with other focuses of TB and those with a history of tuberculosis disease.