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A Retrieved Sparganum of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei from a Korean Man during Mechanical Thrombectomy
Yang-Ha Hwang1, Wonsoo Son2,3, Yong-Won Kim1,3
1Department of Neurology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea.
Abstract:
Human sparganosis is a zoonotic disease caused by infection and migration of the plerocercoid of Spirometra spp. Although sparganosis were reported from most parts of the body, the sparganum parasitizing inside cerebral artery is remarkably uncommon. We report a case of cerebral intravascular sparganosis in an elderly patient with acute ischemic stroke who was diagnosed by retrieving sparganum during mechanical thrombectomy. Finally, the parasites were identified as Spirometra erinaceieuropaei using multiplex PCR and cox1 gene sequencing.
Insights
Human sparganosis, a rare zoonotic disease, can affect the brain. This case highlights the successful retrieval of a Spirometra erinaceieuropaei parasite from a cerebral artery during stroke treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Human sparganosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Spirometra tapeworm larvae.
- Intravascular sparganosis, particularly within cerebral arteries, is exceptionally rare.
- Sparganosis typically presents with symptoms related to the location of the parasite.
