Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the brains of rabbits infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis: a long-term investigation.
Because magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging is a superior technique in delineating pathological changes in cerebral angiostrongyliasis, it should also be an optimal imaging modality in monitoring long-term changes in the brains of animals infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In this study, MRI and histological techniques were used to observe the changes in the brains of 7 rabbits infected with the third-stage larvae of A. canronensis. Changes were monitored by MRI from day 0 to day 207 postinfection (PI). Hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted MR brain images were first observed on day 22 PI and hallmarks of abnormalities were noted on day 35 PI. Hyperintensities on brain MR images remained up to day 207 PI. Histological examination from days 108 to 207 PI revealed meningeal congestion, choroid plexus inflammation, infarction, granuloma with embedded larva, gliosis, and hemorrhage in the brain tissues. These findings suggest that hosts infected with A. cantonensis may undergo pathological changes in the brain tissues for more than 200 days PI. Moreover, severe abnormalities may occur as early as the fifth week PI.
Wang
Lian-Chen
LC
Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Wan
Dinah-Pingni
DP
Jung
Shih-Ming
SM
Chen
Chien-Chuan
CC
Wong
Ho-Fai
HF
Wan
Yung-Liang
YL
D017185:Angiostrongylus cantonensis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D000818:Animals; D001700:Biomphalaria; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000473:pathology*