RESUMO
We analyzed the clinical course, laboratory tests, evolution, and epidemiological features of 45 patients with the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NC) referred to Neurology Service of Hospital Cassiano Antonio Moraes, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, from January 1987 to January 1989. This study represents the first survey of that pathology in the State of Espirito Santo, and has led us to conclude that neurocysticercosis is endemic in this part of the country. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, CSF abnormalities proper to NC and cranial CT scans to search for cysts, calcifications and ventricular abnormalities. The diagnosis of NC was corroborated by the finding of at least two of these criteria. No statistical differences were found for sex and/or age distribution. Intracranial hypertension and epilepsy were among the most common clinical symptoms. The treatment was adequate to each patient, and varied from symptomatics to specifics. Praziquantel (PZQ), as well as surgery when indicated (ventricular-peritoneal shunt and/or cysts resection) were used. No statistical differences were found in the follow-up of the patients who were under PZQ alone and those who used PZQ plus steroids (associated). Surgery was of great benefit for those patients with intraventricular NC and severe intracranial hypertension. All patients were under close observation on periodical clinical visits during the time of this study, and we have demonstrated that neurocysticercosis is a strongly recurrent endemic pathology.