Fungal meningitis CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby; Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]

Overview

The diagnosis of fungal meningitis mainly relies on the results of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, stain and culture. The role of imaging is to rule out other differential diagnosis of the initial presentation. In addition, brain imaging must be done when the patient has signs of increased intracranial pressure to prevent brain herniation.

CT scan

CT studies of the brain and spinal cord may help in ruling out other medical conditions that might have a similar presentation to fungal meningitis.
CT scan is done to rule out tumors or para-meningeal infections (brain abscess)
CT scan must be done prior to a lumbar puncture in patients with signs of increased intracranial pressure in order to prevent brain herniation.^[1]

References

↑ Koroshetz WJ. Chapter 382. Chronic and Recurrent Meningitis. In: Longo DL, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J, eds. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 18th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012.

Overview