Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
Neurotuberculosis poses a significant health challenge, especially in resource‐limited settings, where diagnostic tools and financial constraints can impede timely and accurate identification. This study aims to evaluate the utility and cost‐effectiveness of CT scans in the diagnosis and management decisions related to Neurotuberculosis in a resource‐limited setting. The study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, over a one‐year period. Thirty‐four patients, aged 6 months to 12 years, diagnosed with Neurotuberculosis, were enrolled. The study utilized the Kuppuswami method for socioeconomic classification and the British Medical Council Staging System for clinical staging. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory data were collected and CT scans were performed under cost constraints. The study explored the utility of CT scans in diagnosing and informing management decisions for Neurotuberculosis in the context of limited resources. The majority of patients belonged to socioeconomic classes III and IV. Clinical presentations included fever, convulsions, vomiting, and altered sensorium. Monteux tests, neuroimaging (CT scans), chest X‐rays, and routine hematological tests were employed for diagnosis. The CT scans revealed hydrocephalus as the most common finding, and 3 out of 16 patients with hydrocephalus succumbed to the condition. The study demonstrated that CT scans were crucial for confirming the diagnosis in only 2 out of 34 cases. Moreover, clinical staging and CT findings did not significantly alter management decisions. In resource‐limited settings, this study underscores the limited role of CT scans in diagnosing and managing Neurotuberculosis. While CT scans provided additional diagnostic confirmation in a small subset of cases, their routine use did not significantly impact overall management decisions. These findings highlight the importance of exploring cost‐effective diagnostic alternatives and optimizing resource utilization in the context of Neurotuberculosis management in resource‐limited settings.
How to cite this article:
Dilip Ninama, Bakul B. Javadekar, Jigneshkumar Dhusa and Ashish Jain. Utility and Cost Effectiveness of CT Scan in Diagnosis and in Taking Decisions in Neurotuberculosis in Resource Limited Setting.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.2.30.35
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2024.2.30.35