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Neuroimaging of the Most Common Meningitis and Encephalitis of Adults: A Narrative Review
Teresa Perillo1, Raffaella Capasso1, Antonio Pinto1
1Department of Radiology, CTO Hospital, AORN dei Colli, 80141 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Meningitis is the infection of the meninges, which are connective tissue membranes covering the brain, and it most commonly affects the leptomeninges. Clinically, meningitis may present with fever, neck stiffness, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, and neurological deficits. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain, which usually presents with fever, altered mental status, neurological deficits, and seizure. Meningitis and encephalitis are serious conditions which could also coexist, with high morbidity and mortality, thus requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Imaging plays an important role in the clinical management of these conditions, especially Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is indicated to exclude mimics and evaluate the presence of complications. The aim of this review is to depict imaging findings of the most common meningitis and encephalitis.
Insights
Meningitis and encephalitis are brain infections requiring prompt diagnosis. This review details Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings for common meningitis and encephalitis cases, aiding clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis involves meninges infection, presenting with fever, neck stiffness, and headache.
- Encephalitis is a brain infection causing fever, altered mental status, and seizures.
- Meningitis and encephalitis can coexist, leading to severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate imaging findings of common meningitis and encephalitis.
- To highlight the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on imaging findings.
- Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging characteristics in meningitis and encephalitis.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of imaging findings for various types of meningitis and encephalitis.
- Emphasis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging's ability to detect complications and rule out mimics.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for meningitis and encephalitis.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging is essential for evaluating these conditions and their complications.
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Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
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