Diagnosis and management of cerebral sparganosis: An uncommon parasitic infection of the brain

Abstract

Cerebral sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection that can be difficult to diagnose due to similarities in clinical and imaging features with more common parasitic infections, such as neurocysticercosis, and other neurologic conditions. We present a case of a 61-year-old female with a verified case of cerebral sparganosis. We also review the current literature regarding the sparganosis infection process, imaging features, and unique therapeutic options. With awareness of the risk factors for cerebral sparganosis and consideration for this diagnosis when the response to therapy for other organisms appears suboptimal, the time to accurate diagnosis may be reduced, and treatment outcomes improved.

Keywords

• Sparganosis
• Spirometra
• Parasitic infection
• Central nervous system