Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Parasitic infections of the central nervous system (CNS) constitute a wide range of diseases, some quite prevalent across the world, some exceedingly rare. Causative parasites can be divided into two groups: unicellular protozoa and multicellular helminthic worms. This includes diseases such as neurotoxoplasmosis and neurocysticercosis, which represent a major cause of pathology among certain populations, and some more uncommon diseases, as primary amebic meningoencephalitis and neuroschistosomiasis. In this review, we focus on imaging manifestation and some helpful clinical and epidemiologic features of such conditions, providing radiologists with helpful information to identify and correctly diagnose the most common of those pathologies.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2023
ReviewImaging of Uncommon Bacterial, Rickettsia, Spirochete, and Fungal Infections.
This article reviews uncommon bacterial (brucellosis, actinomycosis, neuromelioidosis, nocardiosis, whipple disease, and listeriosis), Rickettsia, spirochete (neurosyphilis and Lyme disease), and fungal (mucormycosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and Cladophialophora bantiana) diseases affecting central nervous system (CNS), focusing primarily on their cranial manifestations. These infections often show a variety of neuroimaging features that may be similar or differ from typical pyogenic bacterial meningitis and abscess. Familiarity with these patterns is essential for timely recognition and initiation of appropriate management. Neuroimaging is also useful for identifying complications of CNS infections and follow-up evaluation after initiation of treatment.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2023
ReviewCentral Nervous System Mycobacterium Infection: Tuberculosis and Beyond.
Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and is the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent worldwide. Imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis of central nervous system tuberculosis and may prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. This article presents an extensive review of pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, typical and atypical imaging appearances of intracranial and spinal tuberculosis, and advanced imaging of intracranial tuberculosis. Furthermore, we explore central nervous system infection of nontuberculous mycobacteria and leprosy and their imaging findings.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2023
ReviewNeuroimaging Patterns of Intracranial Infections: Meningitis, Cerebritis, and Their Complications.
Neuroimaging provides rapid, noninvasive visualization of central nervous system infections for optimal diagnosis and management. Generalizable and characteristic imaging patterns help radiologists distinguish different types of intracranial infections including meningitis and cerebritis from a variety of bacterial, viral, fungal, and/or parasitic causes. ⋯ We discuss various imaging modalities and recent diagnostic advances such as deep learning through a survey of intracranial pathogens and their radiographic findings. Moreover, we explore critical complications and differential diagnoses of intracranial infections.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2023
ReviewThe Changing Epidemiology of Central Nervous System Infection: Can Radiologists Keep Up?
Diagnostic radiologists can increase their clinical value by supplementing image pattern recognition with knowledge of epidemiology and geographic distribution of central nervous system (CNS) infections and their causative organisms. This article reviews the changing global disease patterns, as well as zoonotic outbreaks of henipaviruses, coronaviruses, and other emerging, reemerging, and vector-borne organisms; case examples highlight typical imaging features of CNS infections and their mimics. Technical advances in neuroimaging help to enhance the value of radiologists to the multidisciplinary team and the responses to future pandemic preparation.