Value of whole-body MRI for the assessment of response to albendazole in disseminated neurocysticercosis: a prospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated neurocysticercosis is defined as simultaneous involvement of the brain (≥3 cysts) and at least one additional body site/organ. We aimed to identify disseminated cystic lesions in other body parts and investigate the effect of albendazole. METHODS: We enrolled patients with multiple (≥3) neurocysticercosis brain lesions. Whole-body MRI (short tau inversion recovery coronal sequences) was performed to assess the number of lesions in the brain and other body parts at baseline and 3 months after albendazole therapy. RESULTS: We screened 35 patients with multiple brain neurocysticercosis. In 13 patients, whole-body MRI demonstrated disseminated neurocysticercosis lesions. Ten patients were treated with albendazole. We excluded three patients. Brain MRI showed a mean lesion count of 163.6±193.8. Whole-body MRI (excluding the brain) showed a mean lesion count of 629.9±486.1. After albendazole therapy, the lesion load of the brain reduced significantly (163.6±193.8 to 99±178.3; p=0.008). Similarly, whole-body MRI showed a significant reduction in extracerebral neurocysticercosis lesion load (629.9±486.1 to 183.4±301.9; p=0.005). Three patients had complete resolution, five patients showed ≥50% reduction and two patients had <50% reduction in extracerebral lesion load. CONCLUSION: Whole-body MRI should routinely be performed in multiple neurocysticercosis lesions of the brain. Albendazole treatment leads to a remarkable reduction in neurocysticercosis lesions throughout the body.