Diffusion imaging in brain infections

Emerson L Gasparetto; Rafael F Cabral; L Celso Hygino da Cruz Jr; Romeu C Domingues

doi:10.1016/j.nic.2011.01.011

Diffusion imaging in brain infections

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2011 Feb;21(1):89-113, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.01.011.

Authors

Emerson L Gasparetto¹, Rafael F Cabral, L Celso Hygino da Cruz Jr, Romeu C Domingues

Affiliation

¹ Department of Radiology, University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. [email protected]

PMID: 21477753
DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2011.01.011

Abstract

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) provides image contrasts that are different from conventional magnetic resonance techniques. DWI is particularly sensitive for detecting acute ischemic stroke, but it also has many other clinical applications, including the evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) infections. This article addresses the role of DWI in the differential diagnosis of CNS infections, and discusses the most common DWI findings for each type of infection.

MeSH terms

Acute Disease
Brain / pathology*
Brain Ischemia / diagnosis*
Brain Ischemia / pathology
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
Humans
Infections / pathology*
Stroke / diagnosis*
Stroke / pathology