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Case Reports
. 2024 Jan 23;12(1):e8454.
doi: 10.1002/ccr3.8454. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Neurocysticercosis: A neglected but preventable cause of seizure in adults

Prosper Adjei  1 , Vida Obese  2 , Richard Tang  1 , Kingsley Owusu Manu  1 , Yaw Owusu Afriyie Boateng  1 , Eunice Ansomah Donkor  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neurocysticercosis: A neglected but preventable cause of seizure in adults

Prosper Adjei et al. Clin Case Rep. .

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Although endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, it is neglected but remains a significant cause of preventable seizure in adults. Its diagnosis is challenging and is frequently missed due to its variable clinical manifestations and lack of diagnostic facilities in most areas of sub-Saharan Africa. This report discusses two cases of parenchymal neurocysticercosis in Ghanaians who presented to the emergency unit of a District Hospital with adult-onset seizures. The two cases highlight the need for a high index of suspicion and also underscore the important role of neuroimaging in the evaluation of patients presenting with adult-onset seizures in neurocysticercosis endemic areas. This is necessary for prompt detection and initiation of appropriate therapy in order to improve prognosis.

Keywords: Cysticercosis; Neurocysticercosis; Taenia solium; epilepsy; focal seizure; neuroimaging.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Contrast enhanced axial computed tomography (CT) scan images of the brain showing cystic lesions with eccentric hyperdense foci (cysts with scolices) in both frontal lobes.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Contrast enhanced axial computed tomography (CT) scan image of the brain showing cyst with scolex in the left insular cortex.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Contrast enhanced axial computed tomography (CT) scan images of the brain showing cysts with eccentric scolices in the frontal lobes.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Contrast enhanced axial computed tomography (CT) scan image of the brain showing a calcified nodule in the left parietal region.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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