Subarachnoidal Neurocysticercosis non-responsive to cysticidal drugs: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NC) is one of the most frequent parasitic diseases of the central nervous system. Cysticidal drugs, albendazole and praziquantel, are generally effective when parasites localize in the parenchyma. In contrast, parasites lodged in the subarachnoid basal cisterns are less responsive to treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: The clinical and radiological pictures of six Mexican patients non-respondent to cysticidal treatment are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The possible factors involved in the cysticidal non-response are discussed and hints are provided of potentially useful changes to therapeutic protocols.