Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
02:30
Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection
Published on: May 23, 2025
Primary extensive spinal subarachnoid cysticercosis
Sang-Ha Shin1, Byeong-Wook Hwang, Sang-Jin Lee
1Department of Neurosurgery, Busan Wooridul Spine Hospital, Busan, South Korea. busan@wooridul.co.kr
Spine
|May 17, 2012
Summary
This case report details a patient with extensive spinal subarachnoid cysticercosis successfully treated with surgery and albendazole. The treatment led to the disappearance of cysts and improved neurological function.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common parasitic central nervous system infection, predominantly intracranial.
- Primary spinal cysticercosis, though rare, can cause significant neurological morbidity due to nerve compression.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with progressive lower limb weakness and urinary incontinence over 18 months.
- MRI revealed extensive intradural and extramedullary cystic lesions throughout the spinal canal, from the cervical to the sacral regions.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed cysticercosis.
- The patient underwent surgical removal of cysts combined with oral albendazole treatment.
- Follow-up demonstrated complete cyst resolution and significant improvement in motor and urinary functions.
Implications:
- This case highlights that extensive spinal subarachnoid cysticercosis can be effectively managed with a combined surgical and medical approach.
- It underscores the importance of considering spinal cysticercosis in patients with unexplained neurological deficits.
- Successful treatment can reverse neurological morbidity associated with spinal parasitic infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...