Tuberculosis is prevalent worldwide. One catastrophic manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is central nervous system (CNS) involvement, which can present as either tubercular meningitis (TBM), CNS tuberculoma, or spinal arachnoiditis. CNS tuberculosis (CNS-TB) may develop from hematogenous spread or the rupture of subependymal or meningeal tubercular foci. The condition carries the highest morbidity and mortality among all tuberculosis forms.Diagnosing CNS-TB poses challenges due to its paucibacillary nature and the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. Clinical scoring systems exist but have flaws, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach, including history, examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and imaging. Though confirmatory evidence from CSF is difficult to obtain, molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction offer valuable assistance.Epidemiological factors and extraneural infections can help identify patients with CNS-TB. CSF examination, including microscopy and culture, remains crucial. However, newer techniques like Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin, loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay, and metagenomic sequencing show promise. Imaging, particularly magnetic resonance, is pivotal in detecting characteristic findings, such as basilar leptomeningeal enhancement and tuberculomas, aiding in timely and accurate diagnosis.This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to improve learners’ competence in evaluating and treating CNS-TB. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the condition’s pathophysiology, nuanced presentations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies. Learners become prepared to collaborate effectively within an interprofessional team to enhance outcomes for patients with CNS-TB.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/135305
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Chemical Pathology, Critical Care Medicine, General Pediatrics, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Neurocritical Care, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Neurology