Intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma: a random evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of intravenous methyl prednisolone in patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma with new-onset seizures.

Methods: In this open-label, randomized, prospective, follow-up study, 52 patients with new-onset seizures and a single enhancing CT lesion of cysticercus were randomly divided in two groups to receive either intravenous methyl prednisolone for 5 days along with antiepileptic drug (n=25) or antiepileptic drug monotherapy (n=27) alone. The patients were followed up for at least for 9 months. Repeat CT scans were performed after 2 months.

Results: After 2 months, lesion disappeared in 60% patients of intravenous methyl prednisolone group and 18.5% patients receiving only antiepileptic drug (p=0.001). As far as seizure recurrence was concerned, a lower number (16% versus 33%) of intravenous methyl prednisolone treated patient had recurrence, the difference was insignificant.

Conclusion: Intravenous methyl prednisolone therapy helps in early resolution of solitary cysticercus granuloma.