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Metastatic malignancy masquerading as neurocysticercosis
Daniela E DiMarco1, Andrew J Hale1, Adam Ulano1
1University of Vermont Medical Center, Infectious Disease Unit, 111 Colchester Avenue, Mailstop 115 SM2, Burlington, VT 05401, United States.
Idcases
|August 3, 2019
Summary
Cystic brain lesions can mimic neurocysticercosis but may represent malignancy. This case highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for brain lesions, including non-infectious causes like metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Cystic brain lesions present a diagnostic challenge, necessitating a comprehensive differential diagnosis for accurate patient management.
- Infectious etiologies, such as neurocysticercosis, are often considered, but non-infectious causes must also be evaluated.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old woman presented with seizures and multiple cystic brain lesions.
- Initial considerations included neurocysticercosis due to identified risk factors.
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with a metastatic neuroendocrine malignancy.
Findings:
- The case underscores the critical need to differentiate between infectious and non-infectious cystic brain lesions.
- Diagnostic modalities for neurocysticercosis, including imaging and specific testing, are reviewed.
- Metastatic neuroendocrine malignancy was the underlying cause, not neurocysticercosis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for non-infectious etiologies, such as malignancy, in patients with cystic brain lesions.
- A thorough diagnostic workup is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment for diverse etiologies.
- This case provides valuable guidance for the evaluation of complex cystic brain lesions in clinical practice.
