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Cerebral schistosomiasis presenting as a brain tumor
European Neurology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Cerebral Schistosoma mansoni schistosomiasis can mimic a brain tumor, even without typical intestinal symptoms. Early CT scans may appear normal while EEG shows abnormalities in this rare neurological presentation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral schistosomiasis is a rare parasitic infection of the brain caused by Schistosoma mansoni.
- Typically, Schistosoma mansoni infections manifest with gastrointestinal or hepatic symptoms.
Observation:
- This case describes a patient with cerebral schistosomiasis presenting as a brain tumor.
- The patient lacked the common intestinal and hepatic symptoms associated with Schistosoma mansoni.
Findings:
- Histological confirmation of cerebral schistosomiasis was achieved.
- Computed tomography (CT) findings indicative of the disease appeared late.
- Early CT scans were normal, contrasting with pathological electroencephalogram (EEG) findings.
Implications:
- Cerebral schistosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of brain tumors, especially in endemic areas.
- Neurological symptoms may be the primary presentation, necessitating advanced imaging and electrophysiological assessments.
- The diagnostic utility of CT scans in early-stage cerebral schistosomiasis is limited, highlighting the importance of correlating imaging with clinical and EEG data.