Granulomatous Diseases of the Central Nervous System

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), particularly those accompanied by the formation of granulomas, are a constant diagnostic challenge in some specific regions of the world, above all in developing countries. The pattern of image seen on CT or MR scan is the result of the inter-relations between the individual characteristics of the infectious agent and the capacity of each host to mount an appropriate inflammatory response to that specific type of aggression, inside one particular compartment of the CNS. Taking these parameters into account we will discuss the several patterns of image found in parasitic, bacterial, and fungal granulomatous infections.