Adjuvant immunosuppression for paradoxical deterioration in tuberculous meningitis including one case responsive to cyclosporine. A tertiary referral hospital experience

Abstract Background Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) accounts for 1–4% of all tuberculosis (TB) presentations. Paradoxical deterioration in non-HIV patients is a common manifestation of anti-tuberculosis therapy, characterised by clinico-radiological deterioration. We report a case series of TBM admissions to our institution including one case with paradoxical deterioration refractory to corticosteroids who responded to adjuvant cyclosporine. Methods Retrospective review of 12 HIV-negative patients admitted to Liverpool Hospital, Sydney (2005–2016) with laboratory and/or radiologically confirmed TBM. Results Median patient age was 40 (range 22–81 years), M:F = 7:5. Eleven patients (92%) were of Asia-Pacific origin. Eleven initially presented with central nervous system manifestations and one had preceding miliary TB. Nine patients had extra-cranial TB involvement including eight with past or current pulmonary disease. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) TB PCR/culture was positive in 10 patients. Paradoxical deterioration developed in three patients despite concomitant corticosteroids in two. One patient with paradoxical deterioration was refractory to corticosteroids: A 22-year-old Vietnamese male with TBM developed worsening headaches and altered mentation after seven weeks concomitant anti-TB and corticosteroid treatment. Interval MRI brain demonstrated increased size and number of tuberculomas as well as hydrocephalus. Cyclosporine was added with gradual improvement and ultimately good outcome. Conclusion Our case series highlights the seriousness of paradoxical deterioration in TBM and the potential role of adjuvant cyclosporine in patients refractory to corticosteroids.