A Case of Cerebral Cysticercosis

ABSTRACT

We presented a case of cerebral cysticercosis which involved the right frontal subcortical region. Five years old girl was admitted to the hospital because of repeated vomitings and severe headaches which developed and progressed gradually following head injury 15 days prior to admission. On admission, there were no localizing or lateralizing neurological abnormalities except for bilateral optic papilledemas and signs of increased intracranial pressure. Right carotid angiogram disclosed an avascular zone in the right frontoparietal region suggesting an intracranial space occupying lesion. At operation, rather well circumscribed mass, walnut sized, was found deeply in the right frontal subcortical area but no hematomas epidurally or subdurally. The mass was totally excised. Histological diagnosis of the specimen was cysticercosis to be granulomatous mass in big size. It would be controversial whether cerebral cysticercosis should be operated surgically or not, but surgery may be indicated if there are signs of increased intracranial pressure in the presence of single large granulomatous mass in the portion of the cerebral hemisphere.