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Spinal cysticercosis. Case report and review
A Isidro-Llorens1, F Dachs, J Vidal
1Institut Guttmann Centre de Paraplegics, Barcelona, Spain.
Paraplegia
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), is caused by the Taenia solium tapeworm. Spinal cord compression syndrome is a rare but serious complication of NCC.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cysticercosis is a prevalent parasitic disease impacting the central nervous system (CNS).
- Neurocysticercosis (NCC) results from infection by the larval form of the porcine tapeworm, Taenia solium.
- Global estimates indicate over 2.5 million individuals are affected by cysticercosis.
Observation:
- Spinal cord involvement in NCC occurs in 1-5% of cases.
- Isolated medullary cysticercosis is exceptionally rare, with only 50 reported cases by 1988.
- Spinal cord compression syndrome (SCCS) is an infrequent and often delayed manifestation of NCC.
Findings:
- Sotelo's series reported 1.4% of 753 NCC cases presented with SCCS.
- The Dixon and Lipscomb series documented only one SCCS case among 450 NCC patients.
- These findings highlight the rarity of spinal cord compression in neurocysticercosis.
Implications:
- Understanding the varied presentations of NCC is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into the pathogenesis of spinal involvement in NCC may improve patient outcomes.
- Raising awareness about Taenia solium infection and its neurological sequelae is essential for public health.