臨床症状

背景:

• Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a central nervous system infection caused by *Taenia solium* larvae.; Racemose NCC (rNCC) presents with subarachnoid or ventricular cysts, often leading to epilepsy, headaches, and intracranial hypertension.; Cognitive symptoms are significant but often overlooked features of rNCC.

研究 の 目的:

• To present two cases of racemose neurocysticercosis (rNCC) from Chile with prominent cognitive symptoms.; To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes of rNCC.; To emphasize the importance of considering rNCC in neurological differential diagnoses.

主な方法:

• Case 1: A 79-year-old male with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and progressive cognitive decline.; Case 2: A 58-year-old male presenting with confusion and agitation.; Both cases underwent brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and serological testing (ELISA, Western blot) for cysticercosis. Treatment involved antiparasitic drugs (albendazole, praziquantel) and corticosteroids.

主要な成果:

• Both patients exhibited significant cognitive symptoms, mimicking NPH and subacute dementia.; MRI revealed characteristic cysts and inflammation, confirmed by CSF analysis and serology.; Combined treatment led to marked improvement in MRI abnormalities and cognitive deficits, though complete resolution was not achieved.

結論:

• Racemose NCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of diverse neurological conditions, especially in endemic areas.; Atypical presentations and headaches warrant thorough investigation for rNCC.; MRI and CSF analysis are crucial for diagnosis, while combined antiparasitic and corticosteroid therapy is effective and well-tolerated.