Cervicomedullary neurocysticercosis causing obstructive hydrocephalus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Neurocysticercosis is a common CNS parasitic infection, typically causing seizures.
• Hydrocephalus is an uncommon but serious complication of neurocysticercosis.

Observation:

• A 45-year-old man presented with tussive headache and blurred vision.
• Imaging revealed obstructive hydrocephalus due to a neurocysticercosis cyst at the cervicomedullary junction.

Findings:

• Surgical removal of the cervicomedullary cyst via suboccipital craniectomy was performed en bloc.
• The patient's headaches resolved post-surgery, avoiding the need for permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion.

Implications:

• Craniocervical junction neurocysticercosis causing obstructive hydrocephalus is rare.
• Surgical excision of intact cysts, in the absence of complications like arachnoiditis, offers favorable outcomes.
• This case highlights a successful surgical approach for a rare presentation of neurocysticercosis.