Neuroimaging of Central Nervous System Infections

Neuroimaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infections, as well as common infectious mimics. Standard imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as advanced techniques such as vessel wall imaging and MR spectroscopy, are becoming widely used in many areas of the world and are valuable tools to aid neurologists in clinical practice. This review seeks to elucidate patterns of infectious pathogen tropism in the brain and spine, detail key imaging features of specific neuroinfectious pathogens such as patterns of enhancement and formation of mass lesions, and improve understanding of the sequential development of CNS infections and their complications including stroke and hydrocephalus. Here, we focus on a clinically relevant approach, categorizing pathogens in detail based on clinical syndrome and neuroanatomical imaging findings.