MRI advances in the imaging diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis: opportunities and innovations

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is not only one of the most fatal forms of tuberculosis, but also a major public health concern worldwide, presenting grave clinical challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and the urgent need for timely intervention. The severity and the rapid progression of TBM underscore the necessity of early and accurate diagnosis to prevent irreversible neurological deficits and reduce mortality rates. Traditional diagnostic methods, reliant primarily on clinical findings and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, often falter in delivering timely and conclusive results. Moreover, such methods struggle to distinguish TBM from other forms of neuroinfections, making it critical to seek advanced diagnostic solutions. Against this backdrop, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an indispensable modality in diagnostics, owing to its unique advantages. This review provides an overview of the advancements in MRI technology, specifically emphasizing its crucial applications in the early detection and identification of complex pathological changes in TBM. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has further enhanced the transformative impact of MRI on TBM diagnostic imaging. When these cutting-edge technologies synergize with deep learning algorithms, they substantially improve diagnostic precision and efficiency. Currently, the field of TBM imaging diagnosis is undergoing a phase of technological amalgamation. The melding of MRI and AI technologies unquestionably signals new opportunities in this specialized area.