[Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in neurocysticercosis: presentation of 6 cases and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
The incidence of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is increasing currently in developed countries due to the migration movements from endemic countries. Due to NCC polymorphism, treatment would be individualized in each case. Countries not used to this disease have to deal with.


OBJECTIVE
To set up diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in all sorts of NCC and choose the correct treatment would be challenging.


METHODS
To perform a descriptive and retrospective analysis of six cases of NCC seen in the Neurosurgery Department of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona from 1992 to 2000 (both included). We have performed a revision of the literature about diagnostic and therapeutic methods.


CONCLUSIONS
Definitive or probable diagnosis of NCC is based on clinical, imaging, immunological, and epidemiological criteria. In patients with inactive disease only symptomatic treatment is indicated. In active parenchymal forms there are not consensus if antiparasitic treatment is indicated. However, in extraparenchymal active disease aggressive treatment with antiparasitic agents and steroids is recommended. In cases of intracranial hypertension, neurological deficits or hydrocephalus surgery is the treatment of choice.
Enseñat
J
J
Servicio de Neurocirugía, Enfermedades Infeciosas y Neurorradiología, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, Barcelona.
Martínez-Mañas
R
R
Horcajada
J P
JP
De Juan
C
C
Ferrer
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D041201:Taenia solium / Q000378:metabolism