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Granulomatous Diseases of the Central Nervous System

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J. Biller, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To discuss the pathophysiology, key clinical features, necessary diagnostic evaluation, and current treatment regimens for granulomatous diseases of the central nervous system.

Recent findings

The diagnosis and management of granulomatous disease of the central nervous system has been revolutionized by advances in diagnostic imaging. Nevertheless, tissue and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling remains necessary to establish the diagnosis in most cases. Establishing a specific diagnosis is critical because treatment selection needs to focus on the granulomatous process centering on either antibiotic or immunosuppressive agents. Particular for non-infectious granulomatous disease more aggressive immunotherapies may help in clinical outcome.

Summary

There are multiple non-infectious and infectious etiologies for granulomatous disease of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations result from local structural invasion of granulomas or granulomatous inflammation of the blood vessels and meninges. Rapid diagnosis and specific treatment is essential.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Maguire Building Suite 2700, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Braden Dasovic & Michael J. Schneck

  2. Department of Pathology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 South First Avenue Maguire Building Suite 2700, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Ewa Borys

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Correspondence to Michael J. Schneck.

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Braden Dasovic, Ewa Borys, and Michael J. Schneck each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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Dasovic, B., Ewa Borys & Schneck, M.J. Granulomatous Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 22, 33–45 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-022-01173-y

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