Schistosomiasis involving the brain: two case reports

Two cases of schistosomiasis involving the brain and causing exclusively cerebral symptoms, with complete necropsy protocol in one, are reported. The genesis of the brain lesions is discussed briefly and an explanation is offered as to how ova might appear in the cerebro-spinal fluid obtained by spinal puncture, and thus help establish a clinical diagnosis. It is hoped that the possibility of schistosomiasis of the brain will be entertained in obscure cases with epileptiform convulsions, especially in patients coming from endemic areas. In fact, the disease increases the range of possibilities in the elucidation of any group of obscure cerebral symptoms.(Summary)