[Tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus: a clinical and CT study].

Fourteen cases of tuberculous meningitis complicated by moderate or severe hydrocephalus identified by CT are reported. The accumulation and blockage of tuberculous exudate in the basic cisterns and ependymitis in the cerebrospinal drainage pathway are the important pathological features of this disease. There may be a correlation of hydrocephalus with hyponatraemia. Headache, vomiting, and impaired consciousness are common symptoms, although a few cases did not show obvious symptoms of raised intracranial tension. The study suggests a relation between the degree of hydrocephalus and the pressure on lumber puncture. If patients with impaired consciousness, especially in the chronic stage show no improvement during medical treatment, ventricular shunt may bring about remarkable improvement.