Chong Vui Heng, Joseph Thykkoottathyl Pappy, Telisinghe Pemasiri Upali, Jalihal Anand
Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.
J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2007 Aug;40(4):377-80.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an increasingly common but under-recognized neurological disorder. It is immune mediated, and usually has a relapsing and remitting course. However, the initial presentation may be rapid. It can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly if there is a delay in diagnosis and treatment. It has been associated with both infective and non-infective etiologies. We present a case of CIDP associated with ileocecal tuberculosis (TB), presenting with progressive motor weakness and significant weight loss. The patient's symptoms improved to some extent with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroid, but improved significantly after being started on anti-TB therapy. However, his symptoms relapsed when he stopped his anti-TB treatment prematurely whilst continuing the immunosuppressive therapy. Upon resuming the anti-TB therapy, he made a good recovery. CIDP associated with TB has only been reported once. Our case highlights the need to consider TB in patients with neurological disorders.