Objective The primary objective of the study was to assess the location of cerebral infarction and look for corresponding magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) changes in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). We also evaluated the predictors of ischemic stroke in TBM and the impact of these infarctions on patient's outcome.

Methods This was a single-center prospective study between September 2018 and September 2020. Demographic and laboratory parameters were noted. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and MRA were performed at the time of admission to the hospital.

Results Among 120 patients with TBM, 46 had stroke. Nineteen (15.8%) patients died, of which 12 (10%) suffered from stroke. The most common site of infarction was the basal ganglia (54.3%). The commonest site of MRA abnormalities was the middle cerebral artery (39.1%). British Medical Research Council (BMRC) stage 3, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sugar, CSF adenosine deaminase (ADA) level, basal exudates, hydrocephalus, and hyponatremia were found to be predictors of stroke in TBM, while BMRC stage 3, CSF cell count, CSF ADA level, and anemia were found to be significantly associated with mortality in TBM patients with stroke.

Conclusion The basal ganglia were the most common site of ischemic stroke in TBM, and middle cerebral artery was the most often involved intracranial blood vessel. BMRC stage 3 was significantly associated with both stroke and mortality in TBM patients with stroke.

Article published online:
11 July 2022

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