MAGNETIC-RESONANCE IMAGING IN INFECTIONS OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Abstract

The magnetic resonance (MR) images in 24 patients with infections of the CNS were reviewed. The use of a paramagnetic contrast agent (Gd-DTPA [Gd-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid]) in 2 cases is reported. The clinical diagnoses in the patients, aged neonate-71 yr old, comprised meningitis, meningitis and subdural empyema, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis and single or multiple cerebral abscesses. A new sign of CNS infection, the pial-ependymal line, is described. Other consequences of infection, such as atrophy, delayed myelination, periventricular CSF extravasation, changes in T1 and T2 and mass effect are reported and discussed. MR imaging may have a signficant application in the study of CNS infections because of the importance of early diagnosis in instituting effective treatment.