Scolex on the Brain: Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Intraventricular neurocysticercosis develops when cysticerci become lodged in the ventricular outflow tract, which occurs in 10% to 20% of cases. Identification of a scolex within a cystic lesion is pathognomonic....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olivia Mobarakai, Robert Summey
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American College of Physicians 2024-10-01
Series:Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
Online Access:https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/aimcc.2023.1307
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Summary:Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Intraventricular neurocysticercosis develops when cysticerci become lodged in the ventricular outflow tract, which occurs in 10% to 20% of cases. Identification of a scolex within a cystic lesion is pathognomonic. Neurosurgical consultation is recommended to determine the appropriate operative course. When possible, removal of cysticerci using an endoscopic approach is recommended. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman from Honduras who was found to have obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to intraventricular neurocysticercosis and was treated successfully with shunt placement followed by medical therapy.
ISSN:2767-7664