Long-term albendazole therapy for diffuse parenchymal neurocysticercosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Neurocysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the larvae of Taenia solium and may occur in immunocompetent people. We report a case of diffuse parenchymal neurocysticercosis mimicking tuberculous meningitis in an immunocompetent patient. Patient concerns: A 24-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with serial focal to generalized seizure, left body weakness, left abducens palsy, chronic cough, and body weight loss. She came from an area where she was unlikely to have contact with Taenia solium. Diagnosis: Diffuse parenchymal neurocysticercosis. Intervention: Valproic acid, dexamethasone and 15 months of albendazole therapy. Outcome: Complete recovery without any neurological sequelae. Lessons: Prolonged anthelminthic treatment may benefit neurocysticercosis patients with multiple cerebral parenchymal lesions.

Keywords

• albendazole; corticosteroid; neurocysticercosis; prognosis; taenia solium; tuberculous meningitis