Neurocysticercosis with a single brain lesion in Germany: a case report

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is rare in Western Europe and a high degree of physician awareness is necessary for diagnosis. We describe a case of Neurocysticercosis with a single brain lesion acquired in Germany in which only surgical removal and subsequent histological examination allowed diagnosis whereas diagnostic investigation yielded no pathological findings.

Figure 1

(A) Contrast-enhanced axial CT scan showing a round lesion in the left temporal lobe. (B) Contrast-enhanced axial T1-weighted MR image shows a sharply defined ring enhancement. (C) Axial T2-weighted MR image demonstrates a perifocal edema.

Figure 2

(A) The scolex of a tapeworm with four suckers is clearly visible, surrounded by granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates, consisting of numerous plasma cells, lymphocytes and in part eosinophilic granulocytes, and tissue debris. The body of the tapeworm with its segments (proglottids) is not visible, H & E. (B) Close-up photograph of one of the four well preserved suckers, H & E. (C) One row of hooks on the scolex is detectable, EvG. (D) Some calcifications are found in the vicinity of the head of the tapeworm, Kossa.