Cysticercosis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Overview

Presenting symptoms differ according to the site of the cysticerci. Parenchymal neurocysticercosis causes all the symptoms and signs of space occupying lesions. Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis causes manifestations of increased intracranial pressure if cysts are present in the subarachnoid space or in the ventricles, manifestations of spinal cord compression if present in the spinal cord or causes eye disease if cysts are present in the orbit.

History and Symptoms

Presenting symptoms vary according to the site of infestation:

Neurocysticercosis

Parenchymal:

Many cases (up to 80%) can remain asymptomatic and discovered either in autopsies or accidentally during routine imaging.^[1]

Seizures: Most common manifestation of parenchymal neuroccysticercosis.^[2]Seizers can be focal, generalized or focal with secondary generalization.
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Psychiatric disorders: has a wide variatoin from abnormal dysfunction and up to dementia ^[2]

Extraparenchymal:

1. Ocular cysticercosis:

Symptoms depend on the exact site of infestation in the eye.

2. Extraparenchymal in the brain ventricles and subarachnoid space: Cysticerci obstruct of the flow of the CSF and cause hydrocephalus. Symptoms usually result from increased intracranial pressure.

3. Spinal cord cysticercosis: It is very rare (1.5-3% of all the cases).^[3]The presentaion depends on the site of the lesion.

Low back pain that may radiate down the legs
Weakness in the legs and feet
Loss of sensation in the legs and feet
Bladder and bowel incontinence
Sexual dysfunction
Foot drop
Decreased or absent reflexes in the legs
Pain in the chest and/or back
Loss of sensation below the level of the compression
Paralysis of respiratory muscles

Extraneural

Muscular cysticercosis

Can be asymptomatic and calcification discovered accidentally on imaging
Muscle aches and weakness

Cutaneous cysticercosis

Can be asymptomatic
Discomfort, pruritis and excoriations

References

↑ Isnard RN, Pannier BM, Laurent S, London GM, Diebold B, Safar ME (1989). “Pulsatile diameter and elastic modulus of the aortic arch in essential hypertension: a noninvasive study”. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 13 (2): 399–405. PMID 2913118.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Oot RF, Melville GE, New PF, Austin-Seymour M, Munzenrider J, Pile-Spellman J, Spagnoli M, Shoukimas GM, Momose KJ, Carroll R (1988). “The role of MR and CT in evaluating clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 151 (3): 567–75. doi:10.2214/ajr.151.3.567. PMID 3261519.
↑ Alsina GA, Johnson JP, McBride DQ, Rhoten PR, Mehringer CM, Stokes JK (2002). “Spinal neurocysticercosis”. Neurosurg Focus. 12 (6): e8. PMID 15926787.

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[pmid2913118-1] Isnard RN, Pannier BM, Laurent S, London GM, Diebold B, Safar ME (1989). “Pulsatile diameter and elastic modulus of the aortic arch in essential hypertension: a noninvasive study”. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 13 (2): 399–405. PMID 2913118.

[pmid3261519-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Oot RF, Melville GE, New PF, Austin-Seymour M, Munzenrider J, Pile-Spellman J, Spagnoli M, Shoukimas GM, Momose KJ, Carroll R (1988). “The role of MR and CT in evaluating clival chordomas and chondrosarcomas”. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 151 (3): 567–75. doi:10.2214/ajr.151.3.567. PMID 3261519.

[pmid15926787-3] Alsina GA, Johnson JP, McBride DQ, Rhoten PR, Mehringer CM, Stokes JK (2002). “Spinal neurocysticercosis”. Neurosurg Focus. 12 (6): e8. PMID 15926787.

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