title: Tuberculosis of the central nervous system: overview of neuroradiological findings.
abstract: This article presents the range of manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) of the craniospinal axis. Central nervous system (CNS) infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis occurs either in a diffuse form as basal exudative leptomeningitis or in a localized form as tuberculoma, abscess, or cerebritis. In addition to an extensive review of computed tomography and magnetic resonance features, the pathogenesis and the relevant clinical setting are discussed. Modern imaging is a cornerstone in the early diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis and may prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging is generally considered as the modality of choice in the detection and assessment of CNS tuberculosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bernaerts
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Vanhoenacker
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Parizel
authors.forename: J W M
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Van Goethem
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Altena
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laridon
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Roeck
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coeman
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: De Schepper
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D020306:Tuberculosis, Central Nervous System / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000175:diagnosis