Related Experiment Videos
Paucisymptomatic brainstem lesions revealing CNS schistosomiasis
1Department of Neurology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|August 4, 2005
Summary
Cerebral schistosomiasis can present with unusual meningeal symptoms. Early diagnosis and praziquantel treatment led to dramatic improvement in brain MRI findings for neuroschistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral schistosomiasis is a rare parasitic infection of the brain.
- Neuroschistosomiasis diagnosis can be challenging due to varied clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with meningeal symptoms suggestive of cerebral schistosomiasis.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed supra- and infratentorial lesions, notably involving the brainstem, despite mild symptoms.
Findings:
- Neuroschistosomiasis was diagnosed based on clinical history (travel to Uganda, swimming in Lake Victoria), serological tests, and rectal biopsy.
- Treatment with praziquantel (50 mg/kg/day for 15 days) resulted in significant clinical improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering neuroschistosomiasis in patients with relevant travel history and neurological symptoms.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with praziquantel can lead to substantial recovery and resolution of MR imaging abnormalities.