A case report of spinal toxocariasis with extensive tumor-like involvement

Toxocariasis is a common parasitic infection worldwide. Although it can present as several clinical syndromes, neurological manifestation is rare. Only a few reports are available on spinal cord involvement of toxocariasis. We report a case that presented with gait disturbance due to progressive lower limb spasticity. The patient had had visceral toxocariasis infection 8 years before. A spine magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed syringomyelia along the entire thoracic cord with small nodular enhancing lesions in the mid-portion of the syrinx, which led to the suspicion of ependymoma. Surgical mass removal was performed. However, histopathological examination of the mass did not show any malignant cells; instead, there were numerous axonal retraction balls with an eosinophilic granular body-like appearance. The serum antibody titer against toxocariasis was borderline high. Taken together, these observations led to a diagnosis of Toxocara infection, and the patient was treated with albendazole.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of tumor-like spinal toxocariasis involving extensive lesions. A solid enhancing mass with accompanied syrinx and hemorrhage might be a Toxocara infection. It can easily be diagnosed with serologic tests and simply be treated with oral albendazole if suspected.