Radiology of cysticercosis of the central nervous system including computed tomography

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease in which man serves as the intermediate host of Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. The larvae have a predilection for the central nervous system and can cause a variety of neurologic and psychiatric symptoms. Areas of involvement are classified as intraventricular, parenchymal, arachnoidal, and mixed. The diagnosis is made primarily by roentgenographic and spinal fluid examinations. The authors reviewed 232 cases of cysticercosis involving the central nervous system. It was found that computed tomography is a useful tool in assessing this illness.