Disseminated Cysticercosis in Indian Scenario - Experience from a Teaching University Hospital

Background and Objectives: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) due to Taenia Solium is a major public health problem. Our objective was to study patients with disseminated cysticercosis (DCC) who had NCC in the brain along with an additional site in the body and assess their clinical, radiological profile, and response to therapy. Materials and Methods: A chart review of DCC with a high lesion load of NCC >= 20 (DNCC) in the brain was performed. Results: Sixteen (M:F = 13:3) patients were diagnosed with DNCC with a mean age of presentation of 35.1 +/- 14.2 years. Headache was the predominant symptom, followed by seizures (93.75%), vomiting (43.75%), behavioral disturbances (31.25%), fever (12.5%), encephalopathy (12.5%), visual disturbances (6.25%), and muscle pain and limb weakness (6.25%). CT brain showed multiple active parenchymal cysts in all, and calcifications in 68.75%. MRI brain revealed involvement of cortex and subcortical structures in all, followed by cerebellum (81.25%) and brainstem (75%). Intramedullary spinal lesion was observed in 12.5% cases. Albendazole with steroids was used in 15 patients. In 93.3% patients, there was complete improvement in seizures; 12.5% subjects had persistent memory and behavioral abnormalities. One subject required decompressive craniectomy; mortality was observed in two subjects. Conclusions: We hereby report one of the largest case series on disseminated cysticercosis with a high lesion load of NCC in the brain. A comprehensive clinical, imaging, therapeutic response with repeat imaging and long-term follow-up has given us a better understanding of this difficult-to-treat neurological disorder. We suggest cautious use of anti-parasitic therapy under the cover of corticosteroids to prevent irreversible neurological sequelae.

Automated summary

We report a case series of disseminated cysticercosis with a high lesion load in the brain. Disseminated cysticercosis presents clinical and radiological challenges, but most patients showed complete improvement in seizures with the use of albendazole and steroids. However, some patients experienced persistent memory and behavioral abnormalities, and there were two cases of mortality.