| Neurocysticercosis | |
|---|---|
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| Magnetic resonance image of a patient with neurocysticercosis demonstrating multiple cysticerci within the brain | |
| Specialty | Infectious diseases  |
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium. Neurocysticercosis is often caused by ingesting improperly cooked food or contaminated water. When consumed, cysticerci are released into the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal wall and grow into a tapeworm. This tapeworm can travel to the brain, muscles, eyes, and skin. Neurocysticercosis presents various signs and symptoms, influenced by the location, number of lesions, and immune response, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal, with common symptoms including seizures, intracranial hypertension, cognitive impairment, and focal deficits.
Neurocysticercosis diagnosis relies on neuroimaging and serology, with diagnostic criteria including the lentil lectin purified glycoprotein (LLGP) enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay, CT and MRI. Neurocysticercosis can be categorized as either parenchymal or extraparenchymal. Parenchymal neurocysticercosis is neurocysticercosis lesions within brain parenchyma, while extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis is lesions in ventricles or subarachnoid spaces. Neurocysticercosis can be prevented through improved sanitation, education, awareness, de-worming and vaccines for endemic areas.
Neurocysticercosis requires a tailored treatment approach based on cyst viability, host's immune response, and the location and number of lesions. Symptoms of neurocysticercosis are treated with antiepileptic, antiedema, analgesic, or anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery, steroids, or other medications are used to treat intracranial hypertension. Antiparasitic medications are used for treating vesicular viable cysts or early colloidal phases and are ineffective against calcified cysts. Steroid administration is used for managing neurocysticercosis-related inflammation in the central nervous system. In severe cases, antiparasitic medication may be ineffective due to mass inflammation risks. Surgical treatments may be necessary for aggressive treatment, such as ventricle-peritoneal shunts and cyst excision. Parenchymal and single lesion neurocysticercosis generally has a favourable prognosis, while extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus, sudden death, or slow death.
Neurocysticercosis is endemic in developing countries, particularly in poorer regions with poor sanitation and clean water, such as Latin America, China, Nepal, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Although rare in Europe and the US, immigration has increased its prevalence in these areas. Taenia solium has been described since 1500 BC and has been found in ancient Egyptian mummies. The first recorded cases of neurocysticercosis were likely in 1558. In 1792, a Peruvian physician reported simultaneous taeniasis and cysticercosis in the same individual. In the 19th century, German pathologists found similarities between T. solium and cysticercus scolex, and discovered that consumption of cysticercus from pork caused human intestinal taeniasis.