[Myelopathy due to Schistosoma mansoni. A description of two cases and review of the literature]

Abstract

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Schistosoma sp that affects over 200 million people worldwide. The neurological manifestations, caused by the eggs or by anomalous migration of the parasite, can be epileptic seizures and myeloradicular syndromes. S. mansoni is endemic in Brazil and is an underdiagnosed cause of transverse myelitis and myeloradiculopathy.

Case reports: We present the cases of two Brazilian women, aged 28 and 32, who suffered from conus medullaris and cauda equina syndrome, and a thoracolumbar myelopathy, respectively. Diagnosis was based on the epidemiological exposure, suggestive neurological syndrome and positive serological studies in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by means of indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) for S. mansoni. Other causes of myeloradiculopathy were dismissed. The first patient presented progressive sphincteric, motor and dysesthetic symptoms that suggested cauda equina and conus medullaris syndrome. Examination of the CSF revealed pleocytosis, eosinophils and high protein levels; (IgG) IFI was positive for S. mansoni. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased volume in the conus and epiconus, areas of hypersignal in T2 and heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Case 2 presented an acute picture of paresthesias and myoclonias in the lower limbs. Serological analysis for S. mansoni in blood was positive. S. mansoni eggs were found in faeces. Results of the CSF study were normal. Both patients were treated with praziquantel and prednisone and responded well both clinically and radiologically.

Conclusions: In patients with epidemiological evidence of exposure to S. mansoni, lumbosacral myeloradiculopathy is suggestive of neuroschistosomiasis.