To intervene or not to intervene: A case of symptomatic neurocysticercosis complicated by ventriculitis

Abstract

Although well described in the current literature, Neurocysticercosis [NCC] remains an enigma when confronted by practitioners. This is in part due to the haphazard nature of the parasitic infection on the central nervous system [CNS]. These include single or multiple anatomic sites of infection, stage of parasitosis, and the resultant inflammatory response. As a result, NCC can present with a complex constellation of symptomatic presentations, making therapeutic regiments highly individualized. Despite intervention, other impediments may arise post-therapy due to the nature of the infection. We present a case of rapidly progressive symptomatic NCC that initially was successfully treated, however would eventually succumb to complications of ventriculitis.

Keywords

• Neurocysticercosis
• Parasitic disease
• Taenia solium
• Ventriculitis
• Cyst
• Ring-enhancing lesions