A Case of Tuberculous Meningitis Presenting with Atypical Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings

Abstract

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is still an important cause of meningitis in developing countries. Since clinicians cannot delay treatment in order to receive a definite diagnosis, therapy is often begun on a presumptive basis according to the results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. A case of tuberculous meningitis with atypical CSF findings is reported to emphasize that, although tuberculous meningitis presents with a characteristic clinical picture as well as cytologic findings and corresponding values of glucose, chloride and proteins in CSF, there are cases with atypical features making the diagnosis difficult.