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Distinctive MRI findings in a case of neurocysticercosis
Author(s) -
Silbert Peter L,
Gubbay Sasson S,
Khangure Mark
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1993.tb137785.x
Subject(s) - neurocysticercosis , medicine , taenia solium , magnetic resonance imaging , cysticercosis , praziquantel , radiology , cysticercus , calcification , epilepsy , pathology , schistosomiasis , psychiatry , immunology , helminths
Objective To report a case of cerebral neurocysticercosis, in which cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at the time of probable death of the Cysticercus. Clinical features A 15‐year‐old Indian boy with a focal seizure disorder presented with a low‐grade fever and an increase in seizure frequency. Cranial MRI scanning demonstrated a small, cortically based nodule surrounded by a low‐intensity ring and extensive oedema. Intervention and outcome Carbamazepine therapy was continued (without steroids) and a further MRI scan after one month showed resolution of the oedema, and a subsequent cranial CT scan showed calcification of the cortically based nodule. Praziquantel therapy was administered. Conclusions Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis must often rely upon clinical and distinctive radiological findings. Death of the Cysticercus may provoke an inflammatory reaction that may result in an increase in seizure frequency.