Rationale:
Paradoxical reaction/immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is common in patients with central nervous system tuberculosis. Management relies on high-dose corticosteroids and surgery when feasible.
Patient concern:
We describe 2 cases of HIV-negative patients with corticosteroid-refractory paradoxical reactions of central nervous system tuberculosis.
Diagnoses:
The 2 patients experienced clinical impairment shortly after starting therapy for TB, and magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of tuberculomas, leading to the diagnosis of a paradoxical reaction.
Interventions:
We added infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha monoclonal antibody, to the dexamethasone.
Outcomes:
Both patients had favorable outcomes, 1 achieving full recovery but 1 suffering neurologic sequelae.
Lessons:
Clinicians should be aware of the risk of paradoxical reactions/immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome when treating patients with tuberculosis of the central nervous system and should consider the prompt anti-TNF-α agents in cases not responding to corticosteroids.
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