A Case of Relapsed Subarachnoid Racemose Cysticercosis Successfully Treated with Albendazole

ABSTRACT

The so-called racemose cysticercosis, a rare variety of neurocysticercosis occurring in ventricles or basal cisterns, is characterized by abnormal growth of cystic membranes with degeneration of Taenia solium heads (scolex). Although lesions of this type are known to follow a progressive course even after ventricular shunting, there are limitations of case series treated with antiparasitic drugs, and the optimal duration of the treatment is not yet known. We report a case of relapsed racemose cysticercosis in the Sylvian fissure, who has been successfully treated with albendazole and adjunct corticosteroid for 4 weeks. The patient had been previously treated with praziquantel and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and maintained on the anticonvulsant drug for one year, but returned to the hospital due to seizure recurrence. The patient has been well in seizure-free state for the follow-up 2 years after albendazole therapy. The subarachnoid racemose cysticercosis seems to respond well to treatment of corticosteroid along with prolonged albendazole.