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MR in Toxocara canis myelopathy
1Department of Neurosciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, IL 61656.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
A young woman experienced myelopathy due to the parasitic infection Toxocara canis. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a spinal cord lesion that resolved over time, improving her symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia can indicate parasitic infections affecting the central nervous system.
- Toxocara canis infection is a known cause of visceral larva migrans, but spinal cord involvement is rare.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old woman presented with symptoms of myelopathy and confirmed cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia.
- Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an enhancing lesion within the thoracic spinal cord.
Findings:
- The spinal cord lesion identified on MRI showed complete resolution after 140 days.
- The patient experienced partial resolution of her myelopathy symptoms concurrently with the lesion's resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights Toxocara canis as a potential cause of spinal cord lesions and myelopathy.
- Serial thoracic MRI can be valuable in monitoring the resolution of neuro-toxocariasis.
- Early diagnosis and management may lead to improved neurological outcomes in spinal toxocariasis.