title: Medullary schistosomiasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Schistosomal infestation of the central nervous system is a rare cause of cord compression, although a predominant one in endemic areas.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 38-year-old male, native of Ivory Coast, with a history of 1 month of progressive paraparesis, neurogenic bladder, diminished deep tendon reflexes of the lower limbs, and sensory level. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a medullary lesion at D4-D5 level, suggestive of an intramedullary tumor. Laminotomy of D3 to D5 and excision of a grayish white lesion according to a preliminary histopathologic review suggestive of a high grade glioma. Definitive histopathology review established the diagnosis of medullary schistosomiasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy should be considered in patients presenting with cord compression or features of transverse myelitis, especially in patients from endemic areas or low social economic settlements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Lia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pappamikail
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Casimiro
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
keywords: Differential diagnosis; medullary schistosomiasis; outcome