A Case of Intradural-Extramedullary Form of Primary Spinal Cysticercosis Misdiagnosed as an Arachnoid Cyst

We describe a rare case of intradural-extramedullary primary spinal cysticercosis. A 42-year-old man visited our institute for lower back pain. He denied having consumed raw meet. Magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed an intradural pure cystic mass at the L3-L4 level. A radiologic diagnosis of spinal arachnoid cyst was established. Three years later, he complained of aggravated back pain, and follow-up MR examination showed a markedly expanded cyst, occupying the subarachnoid space from the T11 to the S1 level. L2 hemilaminectomy was performed, and a yellowish infected cyst bulged out through the dural opening. The cyst was removed en bloc. The histopathological findings of the cyst were consistent with parasitic infection. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the presence of spinal cysticercosis. As there was no intracranial lesion, the final diagnosis was primary spinal cysticercosis, which is very rare. MR imaging is a sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting cystic lesions in the spine; however, it is difficult to distinguish cysticercosis from non-infectious cysts such as an arachnoid cyst without using gadolinium enhancement. Clinicians treating spinal cysts with an unusual clinical course should include cysticercosis as a differential diagnosis. We recommend contrast-enhanced MR imaging and serum ELISA in the diagnostic work-up of such cases.

Herniated Lumbar Disc Combined with Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Cysticercosis

Spinal cysticercosis is a very uncommon manifestation of neurocysticercosis which is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium. However, it can develop as a primary infection through blood stream or direct larval migration. It can result in high recurrence and severe neurologic morbidity if not treated appropriately. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with severe lower back pain and left leg radiating pain in recent 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) of lumbar spine demonstrated extruded disc at the L5-S1 level combined with intradural extramedullary cystic lesion. We performed the open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) at L5-S1 on the left with total excision of cystic mass. After surgery, the patient showed an improvement of previous symptoms. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination as intradural extramedullary cysticercosis. We discuss clinical features, diagnostic screening, and treatment options of spinal cysticercosis.

Cysticercosis at the Level of Spomdyloisthesis: A Case Repport / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Cysticercosis is due to a larva of Taenia Solium. It is frequently reported in developing countries. It usually affects subcutaneous tissue, muscles and brain. But, spinal cysticercosis is rare and is usually diagnosed at surgery. Authors experienced a case of spinal cysticercosis accompanied with spondylolistheses at the same level. Space occupying lesion and arachnoiditis, confirmed by MMCT and MRI, were noted at the same level of spondylolistheses. So, it was very hard to make dicision whether we should open up the dura or not.

A Case of Cervical Intramedullary Huge Solitary Cyst due to Cysticercosis

Spinal cystcercosis is extremely rare. But recently was have experienced cervical intramedullary solitary huge cyst, which was confirmed as intramedullary cysticercosis pathologically. Neurological deficits were left hemiparesis, hypoesthesia on the left lower extremity, hyperactive muscle stretch reflex and voiding and defecation difficulty, in spite of its huge size and surgical removal was easy as compared with other intramedullary tumor. There was no adjacent granuloma, granulomatous tissue, not combined with intracranial cysticercosis. Following surgery the patient's symptom were cleared up.