Tuberculous CNS infections and especially tuberculous meningitis [TBM], still account for major morbidity and mortality in developing countries. While effective treatment is available now, the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis, along with the tendency toward non-invasiveness in this age has turned the attention to the radiologist, who must equip himself with the latest that the field has to offer. Indeed, the role of radiology, especially CT and MR imaging, is rapidly evolving, and includes not just diagnosis but also extent and complication assessment, outcome measures and even treatment. This article reviews the role of imaging in the diagnosis of TBM, along with a discussion of other manifestations of CNS tuberculosis, and the imaging differential that must be kept in mind.

Key words: Tuberculosis; tuberculous meningitis; tuberculoma; meningeal enhancement; magnetic resonance imaging, vasculitis; hydrocephalus; ring enhancing lesion.