Disseminated tuberculosis with multiple intracerebral tuberculomas in a patient with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Multiple tuberculous mycobacterial infections infrequently occur in immunocompromised patients. The malnutrition resulted from anorexia nervosa may contribute to the significant impairment of immunity. The authors present a 23-year-old female patient initially diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. METHOD: Immunological study revealed that helper T-cell (CD4) and cytotoxic T-cell (CD8) comprised 25 and 32%, respectively, with a CD4 to CD8 ratio of 0.78. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed various multiple rings enhancing lesions with edematous change in both cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. RESULTS: Open biopsy disclosed palisading epithelioid granuloma surrounded by inflamed granulation tissue. After anti-tuberculous therapy for 12 months, her weight was completely restored, but multiple intracranial tuberculomas were not completely disappeared. CONCLUSION: Disseminated tuberculous mycobacterial infections including multiple intracranial tuberculomas may be attributed to immunocompromised status in anorexia nervosa.