Cerebral Cysticercosis Presenting With Recurrent Epileptic Seizures

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Cerebral cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease affecting the human nervous system.
• It is endemic in tropical regions but rarely documented in Vietnam.
• This study focuses on neurocysticercosis cases in north-west Vietnam.

Observation:

• Three patients from north-west Vietnam presented with recurrent epileptic seizures due to cerebral cysticercosis.
• Diagnostic findings included hypereosinophilia and positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to cysticercosis.
• Brain MRI revealed multiple ring-enhancing cerebral lesions, with scolexes visualized on FLAIR sequences.

Findings:

• Cerebral cysticercosis should be suspected in patients from endemic areas presenting with headaches or epileptic seizures.
• MRI is crucial for diagnosing cerebral cysticercosis, showing characteristic ring-enhancing lesions.
• Positive IgG antibodies and hypereosinophilia can aid in diagnosis.

Implications:

• This study highlights the importance of considering cerebral cysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders in Vietnam.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment with albendazole and antiepileptic drugs can lead to favorable patient outcomes.
• Increased awareness is needed among clinicians in endemic regions for early detection and management of neurocysticercosis.