Multiple Cystic Brain Infection: A Diagnostic Dilemma of Neurocysticercosis and Intracranial Tuberculoma

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a central nervous system infection caused by <i>Taenia solium</i> or pork tapeworm. It affects millions worldwide and represents a leading cause of epilepsy in developing countries. NCC may be challenging to distinguish from intracranial tuberculomas, with tuberculosis being highly prevalent in developing countries. We highlight the importance of clinical history, including exposure history and neuroimaging, in obtaining an accurate diagnosis to enable prompt treatment. This report presents the case of a 26-year-old man diagnosed with NCC and presenting with acute giddiness and headache. Otherwise, there was no history of fever or constitutional symptoms. Neuroimaging demonstrated multiple cerebral lesions over both hemispheres, with degenerating scolex on brain MRI. He recovered well following a combination of oral albendazole, praziquantel, and corticosteroids. This case highlights the salient features that distinguish NCC from intracranial tuberculoma. Early and precise diagnosis will ensure that patients receive optimal treatment, expedite recovery, and prevent further complications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2024-08-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.66231
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.85
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article

Multiple Cystic Brain Infection: A Diagnostic Dilemma of Neurocysticercosis and Intracranial Tuberculoma

Xiong Khee Cheong, Suganthi Chinnasami, Shaharudeen Kamaludeen, Juen Kiem Tan et al.
2 citations
Cureus
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
0.85
article

Multiple Cystic Brain Infection: A Diagnostic Dilemma of Neurocysticercosis and Intracranial Tuberculoma

Xiong Khee Cheong, Suganthi Chinnasami, Shaharudeen Kamaludeen, Juen Kiem Tan, Noorasyikin Mohamed Arifin, Lim Kah Chuan, Jia Xin Chew, Md Hanif Md Arif, Wen Chung Ho
article en
2 citations

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a central nervous system infection caused by <i>Taenia solium</i> or pork tapeworm. It affects millions worldwide and represents a leading cause of epilepsy in developing countries. NCC may be challenging to distinguish from intracranial tuberculomas, with tuberculosis being highly prevalent in developing countries. We highlight the importance of clinical history, including exposure history and neuroimaging, in obtaining an accurate diagnosis to enable prompt treatment. This report presents the case of a 26-year-old man diagnosed with NCC and presenting with acute giddiness and headache. Otherwise, there was no history of fever or constitutional symptoms. Neuroimaging demonstrated multiple cerebral lesions over both hemispheres, with degenerating scolex on brain MRI. He recovered well following a combination of oral albendazole, praziquantel, and corticosteroids. This case highlights the salient features that distinguish NCC from intracranial tuberculoma. Early and precise diagnosis will ensure that patients receive optimal treatment, expedite recovery, and prevent further complications.

CureusVol. 16(8)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (MY), Serdang Hospital (MY), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (MY), University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (MY)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Parasitic infections in humans and animals
0.85
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