Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is an endemic infeccion in Brazil, but the intramedullary cases are rare, 1,2% to 5,8% of all cases. There are only fifty cases reported until January of 2011. Intramedullary neurocysticerosis is a treatable pathology but if misdiagnosed it could lead to irreversible damage. Twenty eight year old female patient, previously healthy, was admitted due to a fall. She had progressive walking difficulties and impaired sensation in both lower limbs two months before admission. Contrast MRI revealed a round intramedullary cystic lesion at T2 e T3. The patient underwent laminectomy from T2 to T3, and the spinal cord was found locally swollen near the exit root at this level. A mielotomy was performed where a round protrusion was seen near the root. Histological examination of the resected sample showed cysticercosis. After surgical excision she received albendazol and streoids. The patient's neurological function postoperatively was unchanged. One week later, the motor power of her lower limbs were grade 4/5, and she could walk without special support. The function of anal sphincter and bladder regained without compromise. She was back to work. This reflects dramatically in an active portion of population since it affects mostly people between 20 to 45 years. So it still represents a challenge and this paper intend to show our experience and by that help future diagnostics.

Keywords

• neurocysticercosis
• spinal cord
• cysticercosis/terapy