Cerebral cysticercosis: occurrence in the immigrant population

Six cases of cerebral cysticercosis have been diagnosed at the Neurological Institute of New York during the past 18 years. Three recent cases are discussed, with emphasis on the variability of signs and symptoms and the best available diagnostic techniques. One must have a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients who have immigrated to the United States from endemic areas, although the disease may be acquired through food contaminated by carriers in nonendemic areas. Conventional radiography (e.g., plain films and pneumography) and, more recently, computerized tomography are the most effective tests to confirm this diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum eosinophilia and indirect hemagglutination titers are nonspecific but occasionally helpful. Therapy is currently confined to surgical excision of lesions where possible and symptomatic treatment otherwise.