Neurocysticercosis: surgical treatment of an autochthonous case in a non-endemic region

• Published in: Pathologica Vol. 98; no. 4; p. 229
• Main Authors: Bruschi, F, Giangaspero, F, Castagna, M, Becherini, F, Filice, M E, Vannozzi, R, Cantini, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.08.2006
• Subjects: Albendazole - therapeutic use; Anthelmintics - therapeutic use; Coma - etiology; Combined Modality Therapy; Craniotomy; Epilepsy, Generalized - etiology; Frontal Lobe - parasitology; Frontal Lobe - pathology; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Neurocysticercosis - complications; Neurocysticercosis - diagnosis; Neurocysticercosis - drug therapy; Neurocysticercosis - pathology; Neurocysticercosis - surgery
• ISSN: 0031-2983

This study describes a case of autochthonous neurocysticercosis in a non endemic region where a differential diagnosis with more frequent single parenchymal lesions must be carried out. The patient presenting generalized seizures and coma status under the suspicion of cerebral neoplasia was admitted to the neurosurgery division. MRI showed the presence of an ovoidal cystic lesion in right-frontotemporal region. After right fronto-temporal osteoplastic bone flap elevation and usual dural tacking and opening, trans-scissural subaracnoid access was made possible by microsurgical strumentation in right Sylvian fissure. A cystic, translucid lesion was identified in the deep Sylvian fissure, involving the distal segment of the fissure and the frontal lobe, the cystic lesion was removed surgically. Pathological examination showed a typical picture of neurocysticercosis. After both surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment with albendazole the outcome was successful. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis should be taken into account in the presence of generalized seizures possibly due to single parenchymal lesions, even in non-endemic regions for this parasitic infection.