Question

A 25 years old lady with a history of fever for 1 month presents with headache and ataxia.Brain imaging shows dilated ventricles and significant basal exudates. Which of the following will be the most likely CSF finding:

• A. Lymphocytosis, Low Glucose, High protein
• B. Lymphocytosis, Normal Glucose, High protein
• C. Lymphocytosis, Low Glucose, Normal protein
• D. Neutrophilia, Low glucose, Low Protein

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The clinical presentation of a 25-year-old woman with a prolonged fever, headache, ataxia, dilated ventricles, and significant basal exudates on brain imaging is suggestive of tuberculous meningitis. This condition is characterized by the following typical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings:

1. Lymphocytosis: This is usually a predominant feature due to the immune response involved mainly consisting of lymphocytes.
2. Low Glucose: The presence of low glucose levels in the CSF is a hallmark of tuberculosis because the bacteria consumes glucose, leading to hypoglycorrhachia.
3. High Protein: Increased protein levels result from the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and the exudative inflammatory process.

Based on this information, the most appropriate option reflecting these CSF findings is: Lymphocytosis, Low Glucose, High protein.