[Imaging features of CNS tuberculosis]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a significant health concern in regions where tuberculosis is endemic.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the characteristic imaging features of CNS tuberculosis.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of various neuroimaging modalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings in patients diagnosed with CNS tuberculosis.
• Comparison of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics.
• Emphasis on advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and proton spectroscopy (MRS).

Main Results:

• Both CT and MRI are valuable tools for diagnosing CNS tuberculosis.
• MRI, particularly with DWI and MRS, demonstrates higher sensitivity than CT for detecting specific tuberculous lesions.
• Imaging findings can be non-specific but are crucial for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis.
• Advanced MRI techniques offer enhanced sensitivity for lesion detection compared to conventional CT.
• Radiologists must be familiar with the imaging spectrum of CNS tuberculosis for accurate diagnosis.