Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) frequently occur in the immunocompromised or debilitated host. Imaging findings are non-specific but may be organized into extra-axial, parenchymal, and vascular categories. Furthermore, knowledge of fungal morphology may predict the imaging manifestations with large, hyphal species having a predilection for brain parenchymal involvement, while small, unicellular organisms typically result in meningitis. Advanced imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging, MR perfusion and MR spectroscopy, when combined with clinical findings, may help in differentiating fungal disease from other mimckers such as pyogenic infection or cystic metastases.
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Infections of the spine represent a rare but potentially debilitating and neurologically devastating condition for patients. Early diagnosis, imaging, and intervention may prevent some of the more critical complications that may ensue from this disease process, including alignment abnormalities, central canal compromise, nerve root impingement, vascular complications, and spinal cord injury. This article reviews the underlying pathophysiologic basis of infection, clinical manifestations, and imaging modalities used to diagnose infections of the spine and spinal cord.
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Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of brain abscess, pyogenic infection, and encephalitis. The role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis and management of pyogenic brain abscess and its complications is reviewed. ⋯ Common causes of encephalitis in immunocompromised patients, and their imaging appearances, are also discussed. When combined with CSF, serologic studies and patient history, imaging findings can suggest the cause of encephalitis.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2012
ReviewImaging of rickettsial, spirochetal, and parasitic infections.
This article is an update and literature review of the clinical and neuroimaging findings of the commonly known rickettsial, spirochetal, and eukaryotic parasitic infections. Being familiar with clinical presentation and imaging findings of these infections is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment especially in patients who live in or have a travel history to endemic regions or are immunocompromised.