The acute encephalitic phase of neurocysticercosis: computed tomographic manifestations

Abstract

Brain infestation by Cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of Taenia solium, is a common disorder in Mexico and other Latin American countries, Asia, Africa, and some Eastern European countries. Recent immigration has caused an increase in the number of cases of neurocysticercosis in the United States. This work describes the acute encephalitic form of neurocysticercosis in 26 cases. The clinicopathologic and neuroradiologic manifestations are discussed with particular emphasis on the use of computed tomography as a main diagnosis modality which demonstrates multiple diffuse (85%) or localized (15%) enhancing nodules associated with severe edema.