title: Parasitic and rare spinal infections.
abstract: The imaging features of spinal parasitic diseases and other rare infections are herein discussed. These diseases are distributed worldwide, with increased prevalence in areas with poor sanitary conditions and in developing countries. In nonendemic areas, sporadic cases may occur, consequent to increased international travel and immunocompromising conditions. Infectious diseases are usually treatable, and early detection is often crucial. A thorough comprehension of the imaging patterns associated with the clinical features, epidemiology, and laboratory results allows the radiologist to narrow down the options for differential diagnosis and facilitates the timely implementation of appropriate therapies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Rua Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, Vila Buarque, São Paulo, São Paulo 01221-020, Brazil; Division of Neuroradiology, MEDIMAGEM - Hospital da Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, Rua Luiz Gottschalk, 151, Apartment 111 MS, Vila Mariana, São Paulo, São Paulo 04008-070, Brazil. Electronic address: lazden@terra.com.br.
authors.forename: Lázaro Luís Faria
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: do Amaral
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Rua Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, Vila Buarque, São Paulo, São Paulo 01221-020, Brazil; Division of Neuroradiology, Fleury Medicina e Saúde, Rua Cincinato Braga, 282, Bela Vista, São Paulo, São Paulo 01333-010, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renato Hoffmann
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Rua Cesário Motta Júnior, 112, Vila Buarque, São Paulo, São Paulo 01221-020, Brazil; Division of Neuroradiology, Fleury Medicina e Saúde, Rua Cincinato Braga, 282, Bela Vista, São Paulo, São Paulo 01333-010, Brazil.
authors.forename: Antonio Jose
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: da Rocha
mesh_terms: D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003906:Developing Countries; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D035583:Rare Diseases; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Central nervous system; Infection; MR imaging; Parasitic; Spine; Tropical disorders