Paragonimiasis presenting as an acute hemorrhagic stroke

Abstract

Cerebral paragonimiasis is rare and is usually seen in younger patients. This is a case of a 19-year-old male presenting as a hemorrhagic stroke with headache and blurred vision. He was found to have cystic thick-walled spaces with focal linear tracking towards the pleural space on computed tomography of the chest. CSF analysis showed pleocytosis with 4% eosinophils. Serological testing confirmed the diagnosis of paragonimiasis. He was treated with praziquantel, corticosteroid taper and anti-epileptic medication and discharged home in stable condition. CNS paragonimiasis is treatable, has a fairly good prognosis but can often be missed. In a young person presenting with an acute hemorrhagic stroke, the possibility of paragonimiasis should be kept on the differential diagnosis.

Keywords

• Paragonimiasis
• Hemorrhagic stroke in a young patient