Neurocysticercosis in Houston, Texas. A report of 112 cases

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common disease among Hispanic immigrants to the American Southwest. The experience in this series suggests a higher incidence of disease than has been reported by public health personnel. Symptoms at presentation correlate with the anatomic site of disease. Parenchymal disease and inactive calcifications present primarily with seizures; ventricular disease with headaches and symptoms of acute hydrocephalus; and cisternal disease with basilar meningitis, hydrocephalus, or seizures from coexisting parenchymal disease. Current treatment regimens are suboptimal, although symptoms may resolve in the absence of therapy. Patients may not respond to a single course of praziquantel therapy. Procedures to divert cerebrospinal fluid are often needed and frequently require revision. We found an association between corticosteroid treatment and the need for repeat therapy with praziquantel, but controlled studies are needed to clarify the role of antiparasitic agents in all forms of neurocysticercosis.