Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis of the conus medullaris

Neurocysticercosis is the most common central nervous system (CNS) parasitic disease worldwide, but spinal cysticercal infection is relatively rare, especially in the United States. Because of increased immigration to the United States from endemic areas, the incidence of neurocysticercosis has risen, especially in California, Texas, Arizona, and other southwestern states, but not in Wisconsin. Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis involving the conus medullaris is an uncommon clinical condition that can lead to irreversible neurological deficits if untreated. Rarely, Taenia solium, a cestode that causes neurocysticercosis, may produce spinal intramedullary lesion, which may mimic an intramedullary tumor. We report a case of thoracolumbar spinal intramedullary cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium. Spinal neurocysticercosis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary conus lesions even if the patient lives in Wisconsin.