[Schistosomiasis of the spinal cord: tumor form. Report of a case]

Abstract

A case of schistosomiasis of the spinal cord is presented. A 16 years old boy developed a progressive spinal cord compression syndrome suggesting an intramedullary tumor. At the operation a granulomatous mass of the conus and epiconus was found and partially resected. The histopathological examination showed a granulomatous reaction surrounding Schistosoma mansoni eggs. The authors review the various aspects of spinal cord schistosomiasis, particularly the tumoral or granulomatous form. A comprehensive review of the literature is made.