Neurocysticercosis: a report of four cases.
Cysticercosis is an uncommon disease in Australia. Only 4 cases of neurocysticercosis were found in our hospital with an active neurosurgical service over a 10 yr period. All 4 cases were migrants, 3 from South America and one from Cyprus. Epilepsy, aseptic meningitis and raised intracranial pressure were the common symptoms. Although the cerebral lesions were seen on CT scans, misinterpretation of the X-ray appearances readily occurs and the diagnosis can only be confirmed by histopathological examination of tissues. The pathological features are described including electron microscopy of one case. The cysticercus has a unique ultrastructure which is most helpful in establishing the diagnosis in cases were tissue sample is small and light microscopy is difficult. Neurocysticercosis can masquerade as a glioma or other space occupying lesion or aseptic meningitis. This condition should be considered in obscure neurological syndromes in migrants from affected regions of the world.
Yong
J L
JL
Department of Anatomical Pathology, Prince Henry Hospital, Little Bay, New South Wales.
Warren
B A
BA
D000328:Adult; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D003551:Cysticercosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged