Recurrent primary spinal subarachnoid neurocysticercosis.
METHODS
Case description.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a patient with a recurrent primary spinal subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (NCC) that was successfully treated with surgical decompression and medical therapy at our center.


BACKGROUND
Spinal subarachnoid NCC is thought to be the secondary result from larval migration through the ventricular system into the spinal subarachnoid space. However, this entity can develop as a primary infection through blood stream or direct larval migration. It can result in high recurrence and severe neurologic morbidity if it is not treated in an appropriate manner.


METHODS
A 50-year-old woman with treatment history of spinal NCC presented with back pain and radicular pain. The lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with septation and slight rim enhancement after gadolinium administration at the L4-S1 area. We performed surgical removal of this lesion and postoperative medical therapy for complete eradication of the parasite.


RESULTS
The histopathology was diagnostic for a cysticercal cyst. Adjuvant medical therapy with albendazole was administered for 30 days after surgery. The patient remained symptom-free for 1 year after surgery without any evidence of recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
We report a rare case of recurrent primary spinal subarachnoid NCC at L4-S1 area. In cases of primary spinal subarachnoid NCC can be treated by adequate combined approach with surgery and medical therapy. Spinal subarachnoid NCC should be added to the differential diagnosis of primary spinal intradural cysts, because this lesion can occur primarily.
Jang
Jae-Won
JW
Department of Neurosurgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Gwangju, Korea.
Lee
Jung-Kil
JK
Lee
Jae-Hyun
JH
Seo
Bo-Ra
BR
Kim
Soo-Han
SH
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery*; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000469:parasitology / Q000601:surgery*