Central Nervous System Mycobacterium Infection: Tuberculosis and Beyond

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health threat, causing widespread mortality.
• Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in TB presents diagnostic challenges.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of CNS TB is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of intracranial and spinal tuberculosis.
• To discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and imaging findings of CNS TB.
• To explore imaging characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacteria and leprosy affecting the CNS.

Main Methods:

• Extensive literature review on CNS tuberculosis.
• Analysis of typical and atypical imaging appearances (MRI, CT).
• Inclusion of advanced imaging techniques for intracranial TB.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of TB pathogenesis and clinical symptoms in the CNS.
• Illustrations of diverse imaging findings in intracranial and spinal TB.
• Comparison of imaging features for TB with other CNS infections like leprosy.

Conclusions:

• Imaging is vital for the early detection of CNS tuberculosis.
• Understanding varied imaging manifestations aids in differentiating TB from other CNS pathologies.
• This review serves as a resource for diagnosing and managing CNS infections.