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Intracerebral alveolar echinococcosis
M-P Algros1, F Majo, S Bresson-Hadni
1Dept of Anatomy and Pathological Cytology, CHU Jean Minjoz, F-25030 Besançon, France. marie-paule.algros@ufc-chu.univ-fcomte.fr
Infection
|February 19, 2003
Summary
Alveolar echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis can rarely affect the brain. Surgical treatment may be beneficial for intracerebral disease, even with pulmonary metastases.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus species, primarily E. multilocularis and E. granulosus.
- Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by E. multilocularis, is endemic in specific global regions.
- Intrahepatic larval growth is typical, while cerebral involvement is rare (1%) and often fatal.
Observation:
- This report details two rare cases of intracerebral E. multilocularis disease.
- Both patients presented with co-existing AE pulmonary metastases.
- The anatomical and clinical characteristics of these rare cerebral cases are discussed.
Findings:
- Intracerebral E. multilocularis disease is an uncommon but severe manifestation of alveolar echinococcosis.
- The presence of pulmonary metastases did not preclude intracerebral disease in these cases.
- Surgical intervention is suggested as a potential treatment option.
Implications:
- Early surgical consideration may improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral E. multilocularis.
- Further research into the management of rare cerebral echinococcosis is warranted.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of E. multilocularis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.