[Neuroschistosomiasis]

The low incidence of mansoni schistosomiasis involving the nervous system calls our attention in a country where 12 million people carry the intestinal form of the disease. Also, during autopsies the incidence of the parasites eggs occurs three to four times more often than the cases diagnosed in life. Therefore, new investigations become necessary around endemic areas. The cerebrospinal fluid syndrome of the neuroschistosomiasis must be searched among patients from endemic areas who present neurological symptoms and which cause is unknown. The probable protein liberation giving signs in the CSF and causing the demyelinization or the axonal degeneration at a distance is emphasized among the physiopathological factors. Two cases of neuroradiculomyelitis with positive copro analysis and CSF syndrome for mansoni schistosomiasis are presented and discussed; both were treated with success using praziquantel in association with steroids for a period of fourteen days.