There are many infectious and inflammatory processes affecting the central nervous system that can simulate other neurosurgical pathologies (e.g. tumor) and may precipitate a brain biopsy for definitive diagnosis if not suspected a priori. The challenge for the healthcare team is to recognize imaging features that support a nonsurgical pathology to avoid unnecessary interventions. This review aims to give a general overview of some common inflammatory and infectious entities that affect the central nervous system, with illustrative examples and highlighting important pearls and pitfalls.
Keywords: Amebic encephalitis; Amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation; Cerebral abscess; Demyelination; Empyema; Neurocysticercosis; Neurosyphilis; Toxoplasmosis; Tuberculosis; Vasculitis.
Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.