Accuracy of Computerised Tomography and its Usefulness as a Primary Diagnostic Modality in Patients with Intracranial Tuberculosis.

Accuracy of Computerised Tomography

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a very valuable method in early diagnosis and delineation of the pathologic process, complications and evaluates the effectiveness of treatment in TB meningitis. TB meningitis can be grade into three stage in terms of severity. Subjects and Methods: Early CT scanning with contrast enhancement identifies the stage and provides a very useful diagnostic and prognostic modality in this devastating disease. Results: Twenty two patients (about 71%) had hydrocephalus of which 8 had gross hydrocephalus and 7 had minimal or early hydrocephalus. 10 patients had communicating hydrocephalus. There was dilatation of only the lateral ventricles in 18 patients. The IIIrd ventricle was dilated in 10 and narrowed in 1patient. There was IVth ventricular dilatation in 9 patients. Conclusion: Both symptomatic and asymptomatic tuberculomas can be detected and their response to conservative medical therapy followed till cure.