Acute Psychosis with Recurrent Neurocysticercosis: A Case Presentation

Abstract

Description Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the Taenia solium cestode, presents clinically with a large and diverse spectrum of symptomatology, dependent upon lesion number, locale and ensuing inflammatory response. To this date, there are only two documented cases of psychosis presenting in patients with neurocysticercosis, both of which were published in India. This case presentation depicts the first documented case of Psychotic Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition: Neurocysticercosis in the United States. The authors postulate that the atypical presentation of the neuropsychiatric instability with the aberrant recurrence of neurocysticercosis is predominantly attributable to the parasitic infection itself, along with its resultant cyst formation and inflammatory response. Further research is necessary to expand upon our knowledge and understanding of the neuropsychiatric effects and optimal management of neurocysticercosis, as well as its possible recurrent nature.

Keywords: central nervous system parasitic infections; neurocysticercosis; neurocysticercosis/psychology; parasitic disease; psychiatry; psychosis; psychotic disorder due to another medical condition; psychotic disorders.

Figure 1

T2-weighted MRI with contrast taken on initial presentation.

Figure 2

T2-FLAIR MRI taken on initial presentation.

Figure 3

T2-weighted MRI with contrast taken on current admission.

Figure 4

T2-FLAIR MRI taken on current admission.

Figure 5

A timeline shows the events leading up to current admission.