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Cerebral sparganosis: case report and review
M Holodniy1, J Almenoff, J Loutit
1Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, California 94305.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Sparganosis, a rare tapeworm infection, can affect the brain, causing seizures and neurological issues. Early diagnosis and surgical removal of the sparganum larva are key to a successful outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by Spirometra tapeworm larvae.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon but can lead to severe neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male presented with confusion and seizures over 18 months.
- Brain imaging revealed a left occipital lobe lesion.
- Stereotactic biopsy confirmed a plerocercoid larva (sparganum).
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the sparganum was curative.
- Literature review identified 17 previous cases of primary cerebral sparganosis.
- Common symptoms include seizures, headache, and focal neurological signs.
Implications:
- Neuroradiologic imaging aids in lesion detection but lacks specificity.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may assist in diagnosis.
- Surgical resection remains the primary diagnostic and curative method for cerebral sparganosis.