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MR imaging in intramedullary cysticercosis
H Parmar1, J Shah, V Patwardhan
1Department of Radiology, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. kemrad@vsnl.com
Neuroradiology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Intramedullary spinal cord cysticercosis (IMC) is increasingly diagnosed with MRI. This study details MRI findings and clinical correlations in six patients, showing typical ring-enhancing lesions and surrounding edema.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Intramedullary spinal cord cysticercosis (IMC) is a rare parasitic infection.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is improving the recognition of IMC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the MRI features and clinical correlation of IMC.
- To correlate imaging findings with patient symptoms and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with para- or quadriplegia underwent contrast-enhanced spinal MRI.
- Brain MRI, clinical data, and laboratory studies were reviewed.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by response to therapy or histopathology.
Main Results:
- Five patients showed spinal cord enlargement with well-defined cysts and surrounding edema on MRI.
- All lesions were ring-enhancing on post-contrast T1-weighted images.
- Symptoms correlated with lesion levels; two patients had concurrent brain lesions.
Conclusions:
- MRI findings in spinal cysticercosis are similar to cerebral lesions.
- Treatment led to lesion resolution or reduction in most patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing IMC.