Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis cured with medical therapy: case report and review of literature

Abstract

Background: Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis is a very uncommon manifestation of NCC, which is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium.

Case description: We report a case of spinal intramedullary cysticercosis who presented subacutely. Magnetic resonance imaging dorsal spine and CSF ELISA clinched the diagnosis. Eight weeks of medical therapy resulted in complete clinicoradiological cure.

Conclusion: Surgery used to be the mainstay treatment for spinal intramedullary cysticercosis; however, early diagnosis and medical therapy with albendazole and dexamethasone can obviate the need for surgery in many patients.