[Diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in neurocysticercosis: presentation of 6 cases and review of the literature]

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is increasing currently in developed countries due to the migration movements from endemic countries. Due to NCC polymorphism, treatment would be individualized in each case. Countries not used to this disease have to deal with.

Goals: To set up diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in all sorts of NCC and choose the correct treatment would be challenging.

Patients and methods: To perform a descriptive and retrospective analysis of six cases of NCC seen in the Neurosurgery Department of the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona from 1992 to 2000 (both included). We have performed a revision of the literature about diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Discussion: Definitive or probable diagnosis of NCC is based on clinical, imaging, immunological, and epidemiological criteria. In patients with inactive disease only symptomatic treatment is indicated. In active parenchymal forms there are not consensus if antiparasitic treatment is indicated. However, in extraparenchymal active disease aggressive treatment with antiparasitic agents and steroids is recommended. In cases of intracranial hypertension, neurological deficits or hydrocephalus surgery is the treatment of choice.