TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS WITH ACELLULAR CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID IN AIDS PATIENTS

Objective: To describe the clinical manifestations of tuberculous meningitis in HIV-positive patients with acellular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Design: Retrospective analysis of case reports. Methods: Four HIV-positive patients with acellular CSF and tuberculous meningitis are reported. Results: Clinical presentation did not indicate meningeal infection in three of the four cases, and CSF tests were unusual in all cases. Two patients were diagnosed only after death. Conclusions: Acellular CSF may obstruct the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in AIDS patients.