Neurologic complications following the Mantoux test.

Abstract

IN THE first half of 1948 I observed 3 cases in which diagnostic Mantoux tests were followed by symptoms and signs of a lesion of the central nervous system. Local and general reactions to the Mantoux test appeared in these cases comparatively early, within six to twenty-four hours, while the neurologic illness followed within a few days in 2 cases and within several weeks in 1 case. The clinical picture corresponded in all cases to that of disseminated leukoencephalomyelitis (multiple sclerosis). It is known that a leukoencephalomyelitic process may occur as a complication of extraneural infectious diseases and vaccinations. Observations of this kind were cited by Pette 1 to support the theory of the allergic origin of disseminated leukoencephalomyelitis. Since I could find in the literature no data on neurologic complications of the Mantoux inoculation, my 3 cases will be recorded in some detail. REPORT OF CASES Case 1. —Second