[Tumour form of neurocysticercosis in a patient with prostate carcinoma]

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by contact with the eggs of the parasite Taenia solium, which subsequently lodge in brain and eye tissue. It manifests itself in the form of cystic lesions scattered throughout the brain parenchyma that are usually small in size and, depending on their stage of development, may appear with associated oedema or with calcifications inside them.

We report the case of a 63-year-old male visiting due to constitutional symptoms, generalised pain and confusion. A cranial computed axial tomography (CAT) scan showed a right frontoparietal lesion with a cyst-like appearance and surrounding oedema, as well as several smaller lesions with calcifications inside them. Given the pseudotumoural appearance, an extension study was performed and a prostatic adenocarcinoma with universal bone metastases was detected. Treatment with antiparasitic medication and dexamethasone was started, with a good initial response, which later worsened with the onset of left hemiparesis. In the follow-up CAT scan, an increase in the right frontoparietal lesion with increased oedema was observed, related to the inflammatory response to the treatment. After a new course of antiparasitic drugs, the patient maintained a sustained and stable clinical response.

The unusual feature of this case was a rare presentation of neurocysticercosis in the form of a pseudotumoural lesion. Few cases have been reported in the literature, and it is important to maintain a high level of clinical and radiological suspicion, as this type of lesion may be more resistant to the penetration of antiparasitic drugs and require longer treatment and even surgery.