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Cauda-conus syndrome resulting from neurocysticercosis
N N Singh1, R Verma, B K Pankaj
1Department of Neurology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India. nns25@yahoo.com
Neurology India
|July 17, 2003
Summary
Neurocysticercosis can cause serious spinal cord issues. Early diagnosis and steroid treatment led to significant improvement in a patient with a conus medullaris lesion.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Spinal cord involvement in neurocysticercosis is rare.
- Conus medullaris lesions can present with diverse neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male presented with progressive saddle paresthesia, sphincter dysfunction, impotence, and paraparesis.
- Imaging revealed a ring-enhancing lesion in the conus medullaris.
Findings:
- The lesion was diagnosed as neurocysticercosis, confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Taenia solium.
- The patient showed marked improvement following corticosteroid therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering neurocysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord lesions.
- Prompt diagnosis and management, including steroid use, can lead to favorable outcomes in spinal neurocysticercosis.