Neurocysticercosis: Case reports with an update on diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm, and neurocysticercosis [NCC] is the deposition of the encysted form in the brain. In a short span of three months we had two patients admitted to our hospital with different neurological manifestations, but showing similar looking Ring/Disc Enhancing Lesions [RDEL or REL] on computerized tomography of the head. Clinical suspicion of neurocysticercosis in the first case was not easy but the first case served as a lesson for the second case. NCC may present with various neurological manifestations depending on the number, location of the lesion and patient immune status. A CT scan of the head showing Ring/Disc Enhancing Lesions is characteristic. Drug treatments have been used instead of surgical interventions on the brain. Differential diagnosis is easier in endemic areas and an awareness of the disease is essential for early diagnosis in non-endemic areas like Kuwait