Magnetic resonance imaging of meningitis and its complications.

Routine and aggressive use of antibiotics in patients with meningitis has considerably lessened the number of complications. However, when they do occur, these complications may be accompanied with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Often radiologists are the first to identify these complications. Although the initial diagnosis and follow-up of uncomplicated meningitis is a clinical one, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the ideal method to evaluate those patients in whom complications are suspected.