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Summary
Cysticercosis, a common parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is increasingly seen in the US due to immigration. Diagnosis relies on clinical, serologic, and pathologic findings, with treatment focusing on managing complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cysticercosis is the most prevalent parasitic infection affecting the central nervous system (CNS) globally.
- Increased immigration from endemic regions has led to a rise in cysticercosis cases within the United States.
- The University of California Medical Center, San Diego, has observed seventeen cases over the past decade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes of neurocysticercosis cases.
- To highlight the increasing prevalence of CNS cysticercosis in a non-endemic setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seventeen cases of neurocysticercosis diagnosed over ten years.
- Diagnostic methods included surgical biopsy, clinical assessment, and serologic testing.
- Treatment strategies and patient outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Common clinical manifestations included intracranial hypertension, seizures, strokes, and retinal involvement.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via surgical biopsy in five patients and clinical/serologic findings in twelve.
- Twelve patients required surgical intervention; one patient died, while five showed improvement with steroid therapy.
Conclusions:
- Definitive diagnosis of neurocysticercosis can be achieved through a combination of clinical, serologic, and pathologic criteria.
- Current therapeutic approaches primarily manage the complications of the infection, as the primary parasitic infection is often inactive upon presentation.