Imaging in Neurologic Infections II: Fungal and Viral Diseases

Martha R Neagu1, Pooja Raibagkar, Jennifer L Lyons

  • 1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.

Insights

Neuroimaging aids in diagnosing challenging fungal and viral nervous system infections. This review details key diagnostic imaging features for prompt identification and treatment of these critical conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Nervous system infections significantly contribute to global mortality and morbidity.
  • These infections present diagnostic challenges and require urgent medical attention.
  • Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diagnostic imaging features of specific fungal and viral infections affecting the nervous system.
  • To provide a resource for clinicians in identifying these infections through neuroimaging.

Main Methods:

  • Review of diagnostic imaging findings for selected fungal and viral central nervous system infections.
  • Focus on characteristic appearances on various neuroimaging modalities.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of imaging manifestations for specific fungal infections (e.g., cryptococcosis, aspergillosis).
  • Detailed description of imaging manifestations for specific viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex encephalitis, West Nile virus encephalitis).

Conclusions:

  • Neuroimaging is indispensable for the timely diagnosis of fungal and viral infections of the nervous system.
  • Recognizing specific imaging patterns facilitates appropriate management and improves patient outcomes.

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