Mielopatía dorsal aguda como presentación atípica de una neurocisticercosis espinal / Acute dorsal myelopathy as an atypical presentation of spinal neurocysticercosis

La neurocisticercosis espinal es una enfermedad infecciosa poco frecuente. Su presentación puede ser extraespinal o intraespinal y la mayoría de casos es de evolución subaguda o crónica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 55 años, natural y procedente de Lima, Perú, con cuadro clínico de una paraparesia aguda secundaria a una mielopatía dorsal por lesiones quísticas de cisticercosis espinal. La paciente recibió tratamiento médico y quirúrgico con una evolución clínica y de imágenes favorable. Es importante considerar en nuestro contexto epidemiológico, la cisticercosis espinal como diagnóstico diferencial, ante un cuadro clínico de mielopatía aguda, ya que el adecuado enfoque diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de esta rara entidad pueden mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes.

Spinal neurocysticercosis is an infectious and rare disease. Its presentation can be extraspinal or intraspinal and most cases are of subacute or chronic evolution. We report the case of a 55-year-old female patient from Lima, Peru with a 2-day history of acute paraparesis secondary to dorsal myelopathy due to cystic lesions of spinal cysticercosis. The patient received medical and surgical treatment with a favorable clinical and imaging evolution. In our epidemiological context, it is important to consider a spinal cysticercosis as a differential diagnosis when faced with a clinical picture of acute myelopathy, since the appropriate diagnostic approach and timely treatment of this rare entity can improve the prognosis of patients.

Bruns Syndrome Caused by Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis: Literature Review

Bruns syndrome is one of the clinical presentations of intraventricular neurocysticercosis, and it is characterized by episodes of headache, vertigo and vomiting. The intraventricular form of neurocysticercosis occurs in 7% to 20% of the cases, and it is more serious than the intraparenchymal form. The management is primarily surgical, associated with pharmacological therapy with anthelmintic drugs and corticosteroids. We report the case of a patient who presented Bruns syndrome due to neurocysticercosis.

Effect of Albendazole Treatment in an Experimental Model of Neurocysticercosis-Induced Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a major concern in neurocysticercosis (NCC), and its management is more challenging than that of hydrocephalus caused by other etiologies. Even though albendazole is a well-established drug for the treatment of NCC, the death of the parasites may worsen the clinical symptoms and eventually, deteriorate the course of hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of treatment with albendazole on the course of hydrocephalus as well as on animal behavior in a ratmodel of NCC-induced hydrocephalus in order to verify whether the course of hydrocephalus and the animal behavior were changed. Ventricle volumes before and after treatment showed a slight but non-statistically significant difference (168.11 mm3 versus 184.98 mm3, p » 0.45). The distribution and location of the cysts were unaffected. In addition, the behavioral patterns before and after the treatment were not significantly different, as assessed by the open field test. On histologic assessment, mononuclear leukocyte infiltration was present in diverse sites, such as the perivascular and peri-ependymal regions, choroid plexus, and meningeal membranes. A positive correlation was found between the degree of ventricle enlargement and tissue damage. Further studies with long-term comparisons are required.

Neurocysticercosis as a probable risk factor for hippocampal sclerosis / Neurocisticercose como provável fator de risco para esclerose hipocampal

ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis is one of the most common risk factors for epilepsy but its association with drug-resistant epilepsy remains uncertain. Conjectures of an association with drug-resistant epilepsy have been fueled by reports of an association between calcific neurocysticercosis lesions (CNL) and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) from specialized epilepsy centers in Taenia solium-endemic regions. The debate arising from these reports is whether the association is causal. Evidence for the association is not high quality but sufficiently persuasive to merit further investigation with longitudinal imaging studies in population-based samples from geographically-diverse regions. The other controversial point is the choice of a surgical approach for drug-resistant epilepsy associated with CNL-HS. Three approaches have been described: standard anteromesial temporal lobectomy, lesionectomy involving a CNL alone and lesionectomy with anteromesial temporal lobectomy (for dual pathology); reports of the latter two approaches are limited. Presurgical evaluation should consider possibilities of delineating the epileptogenic zone/s in accordance with all three approaches.

RESUMO A neurocisticercose é um dos mais comuns fatores de risco para a epilepsia, mas sua associação com a epilepsia resistente a medicamentos (DRE) permanece incerta. Conjecturas de uma associação com a DRE têm sido alimentadas por relatos de uma associação entre lesões de neurocisticercose calcária (CNL) e esclerose hipocampal (HS) de centros especializados em epilepsia em regiões endêmicas de Taenia solium. O debate que surge desses relatórios é se a associação é causal. Se bem as evidências para a associação não são de alta qualidade, são suficientemente persuasivas para merecer mais investigação com estudos longitudinais de imagens em amostras de base populacional de regiões geograficamente diversas. O outro ponto controverso é a escolha da abordagem cirúrgica para a DRE associada à CNL-HS. Três abordagens têm sido descritas: lobectomia temporal ântero-mesial padrão, lesionectomia envolvendo apenas CNL e lesionectomia com lobectomia temporal ântero-mesial (para patologia dupla); os relatórios das duas últimas abordagens são limitados. A avaliação pré-cirúrgica deve considerar as possibilidades de delinear a (s) zona (s) epileptogênica (s) de acordo com as três abordagens.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations and epidemiology of neurocysticercosis / Manifestações neuropsiquiátricas e epidemiologia de neurocisticercose

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the brain infection caused by larval stages of the helminth Taenia solium. The embryos of Taenia travel through the bloodstream and can reach the brain, muscles, eyes, and various organs. In the brain, the psychiatric manifestations are mood disorders, depression and anxiety, which are commonly associated with epilepsy and sensory-motor deficits. Neurocysticercosis is a frequent parasitic disease in the world population; it is endemic in Central and South America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the present review, we report the major symptoms and signals of neurocysticercosis common to neurological and psychiatric illnesses. We briefly present Epidemiology of those manifestations and analyze the relationship between pathological changes and NCC symptomatology. OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY: A literature review was conducted to characterize epidemiological, neurological and psychiatric manifestations of NCC. The final 90 papers were selected of a set of 937 publications from 2010 to 2016. RESULTS: NCC is a major cause of epilepsy in endemic areas; further- more, leads to a diversity of motor and sensitive deficits, manifestations vary from headache to severe intracranial hypertension. Potentially fatal conditions include arteritis, encephalitis and hydrocephalus. Depression and cognitive decline remain among the most important psychiatric manifestations. Neuropsychiatric manifestations, Epidemiology, and neuroimaging provide diagnostic criteria. Brain scans may reveal one or diverse cysts filled with fluid within a scolex (parasite's head). CONCLUSION: NCC's diversity of presentations encourage health professionals to consider it in diagnoses, especially in endemic countries, and also in non-endemic areas because migrants and travelers are subject to contagious. Treatment consists in use of antiparasitic drugs (albendazol, praziquantel) and drugs to treat associated conditions (anticonvulsants, corticosteroids). Surgery is reserved to extirpate the parasite from particular locations (eyes, spinal cord, cerebral ventricles) or to differentiate NCC from tumors, tuberculosis, mycosis, etc. Prevention includes treatment of intestinal helminthiasis, sanitation in animal farming, food preparing hygiene, quality control of water and food.

Neurocisticercose é a infecção cerebral causada pelos estágios lar- vais do helminto Taenia solium. Os embriões da Taenia deslocam-se através da corrente sanguínea e podem atingir o cérebro, músculos, olhos e vários órgãos. No cérebro, as manifestações psiquiátricas são transtornos de humor, depressão e ansiedade, as quais estão comumente associados com epilepsia e deficiências sensório-motoras. Neurocisticercose é uma parasitose frequente na população mundial, é endêmica na América Central e do Sul, Ásia e África subsaariana. Na presente revisão, relatamos os principais sintomas e sinais de neurocisticercose pertinentes a doenças neurológicas e psiquiátricas. Nós brevemente apresentamos a Epidemiologia dessas manifestações, e analisamos a relação entre alterações patológicas e sintomatologia da NCC. OBJETIVOS E METODOLOGIA: Uma revisão da literatura foi conduzida para caracterizar a epidemiologia, as manifestações neurológicas e psiquiátricas de NCC. Os 90 artigos finais foram selecionados de um conjunto de 937 publicações entre 2010 a 2016. RESULTADOS: NCC é uma importante etiologia de epilepsia em áreas endêmicas, além disso causa uma diversidade de deficiências motoras e sensoriais, as manifestações variam de cefaleia a severa hipertensão intracraniana. Condições potencialmente fatais incluem arterites, encefalites e hidrocefalia. Depressão e declíneo cognitive permanecem entre as mais importantes manifestações psiquiátricas. Manifestações neuropsiquiátricas, epidemiologia e neuroimagem provêm os critérios de diagnóstico. As imagens cerebrais podem revelar um ou diversos cistos preenchidos com líquido e o escólex (cabeça) do parasito. CONCLUSÕES: A diversidade de apresentações da NCC encoraja os profissionais de saúde a considerá-la dentre os diagnósticos, especialmente em países endêmicos; e também em áreas não-endêmicas, pois migrantes e viajantes estão sujeitos ao contágio. O tratamento consiste no uso de antiparasíticos (albendazol, praziquantel) e medicamentos para tratar condições associadas (anticonvulsivantes, corticosteróides). Cirurgia é reservada para remoção do parasito de locais particulares (olhos, medula espinhal, ventrículos cerebrais) ou para diferenciar NCC de tumores, tuberculose, micose, etc. Prevenção inclui o tratamento de helmintíases intestinais, sanidade animal, higiene ao preparar alimentos, controle da qualidade da água e alimentos.

Hemiparesia súbita secundaria a cisticercosis cerebral: presentación de un caso clínico / Sudden hemiparesis secondary to cerebral cysticercosis: presentation of a clinical case

Introducción: La neurocisticercosis es una infección parasitaria del sistema nervioso central, ocasionada por la etapa larval del parásito Taenia solium. Su prevalencia mundial es de 9,1%. Se presenta a continuación un caso clínico en el que destaca una clínica infrecuente y tamaño de la lesión poco común; caso que fue resuelto con éxito mediante neurocirugía. Presentación del caso: Hombre de 48 años, residente en localidad rural, consultó por cuadro súbito de hemiparesia derecha de predominio crural, posteriormente con aumento de paresia braquial ipsilateral. Al examen físico destacó síndrome piramidal derecho. Se estudió con Tomografía Computarizada que evidenció quiste frontal izquierdo con compresión del área motora, sugerente de lesión parasitaria. Resonancia Nuclear Magnética de Cerebro (RNMC) informó proceso expansivo quístico fronto-parietal parasagital izquierdo de 5 x 5,5 cm, con efecto de masa. Por tamaño, tipo de lesión y clínica se decidió realizar cirugía abierta con extirpación total y biopsia que informó cisticercosis cerebral. El paciente evolucionó con recuperación total de su déficit motor posterior a la cirugía. Discusión: La neurocisticercosis se encuentra dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales de lesiones quísticas encefálicas. Su clínica es inespecífica, manifestándose comúnmente con convulsiones y cefalea. La RNMC permite el diagnóstico y localización de las lesiones. El tratamiento es médico, quirúrgico o combinado. Generalmente, el manejo se basa en antiepilépticos y antiparasitarios sistémicos, sin embargo en este caso, se decidió el manejo quirúrgico que llevó a una mejoría total del paciente, lo que avala la cirugía precoz como principal medida en lesiones de este tipo

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system, caused by the larval stage of the parasite Taenia solium. Its worldwide prevalence is 9.1%. We present below a clinical case with an infrequent clinical and uncommon lesion size, with surgical resolved. Case report: A 48 year old man, who was a resident of a rural locality, consulted for sudden hemiparesis on the right side of the crural predominance, subsequently with increased ipsilateral brachial paresis. Physical examination highlighted right pyramidal syndrome. It was studied with Computed Axial Tomography that showed left frontal cyst with compression of the motor area, suggestive of parasite lesion. Brain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (BNMR) reported left parasagittal fronto-parietal cystic expansive process of 5 x 5.5 cm, with mass effect. By size, type of lesion and clinic it was decided to perform open surgery with total extirpation and biopsy that reported cerebral cysticercosis. The patient evolved with complete recovery of motor deficit after surgery. Discussion: Neurocysticercosis is a differential diagnosis of brain cystic lesions. Its clinic is non-specific, commonly manifesting with seizures and headache. The RNMC allows the diagnosis and location of the lesions. The treatment is medical, surgical or combined. Usually, the management is based on antiepileptics and systemic antiparasitic, however in this case, it was decided the surgical management that led to the total improvement of the patient, which guarantees the early surgery as the main measure in lesions of this type

Neurocysticercosis in asplenic patient, case report / Neurocisticercose em paciente asplênico, relato do caso

Neurocysticercosis is an important cause of neurologic and psychiatric disorders; it is a frequent etiology for acquired epilepsy worldwide. The parasitic infection of Taenia solium (including larval dissemination to the nervous system) can be avoided by effective means of prevention. Nonetheless, this disease remains endemic in many regions of the world. To demonstrate the importance of prophylaxis this paper reports the case of a patient without spleen, who was treated for neurocysticercosis manifested by epilepsy. In twenty years of follow up, the patient did not experience a repeat occurrence of neurocysticercosis, despite of immunological impairment (absence of spleen) and environmental exposure (living in an endemic area). Prevention was guided by a regular use of anthelmintic (Albendazole) and health education.

Neurocisticercose é uma importante causa de doenças neurológicas e psiquiátricas, é uma frequente etiologia de epilepsia adquirida, no mundo. A infecção parasitária da Taenia solium (incluindo a disseminação das larvas para o sistema nervoso) pode ser evitada por meios eficazes de prevenção; no entanto, esta enfermidade ainda é endêmica em muitas regiões do mundo. Para demonstrar a importância da profilaxia relata-se o caso de um paciente sem baço, o qual foi tratado para a neurocisticercose manifestada por epilepsia. Em vinte anos de seguimento, o paciente não repetiu a ocorrência de neurocisticercose, apesar de dano imunológico (ausência de baço) e exposição ambiental (habitação em área endêmica). A prevenção foi guiada pelo uso regular de anti-helmíntico (Albendazole) e medidas educativas em saúde.

Neurocisticercosis racemosa del Valle Silviano con aneurisma inflamatorio de la arteria cerebral media derecha / Racemose neurocysticercosis of the Silviano Valley with inflammatory aneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery: case report

La neurocisticercosis (NCC) es la parasitosis más común del cerebro y presenta gran variedad de patrones pudiendo mimetizarse con numerosas patologías. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con aneurisma inflamatorio, del cual sólo encontramos 5 casos reportados en la literatura, y sólo uno cuenta con reporte histopatológico. El presente caso reporta un paciente con antecedente de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial, que inició su padecimiento con crisis parciales simples secundariamente generalizadas.Al estudiar el paciente se le diagnosticó neurocisticercosis racemosa, se realizó resección de lesiones con ruptura transoperatoria de aneurisma inflamatorio secundario a NCC con clipaje exitoso. En la literatura se describen cambios inflamatorios en la pared del aneurisma y de la arteria dependiente, secundarios al proceso inmune con vasculitis asociada a un proceso inflamatorio crónico, estos cambios en la pared del aneurisma incrementa la posibilidad de rotura intraoperatoria. El reporte histopatológico fue concluyente con neurocisticercosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is themost common parasitic disease of the brain, has awide variety of patterns of presentation and can mimic many diseases. We report a patient with inflammatory aneurysm, and found only 5 cases reported in the literature, and only one has histopathological report.This is a case report of a patient with diabetes and arterial hypertension condition which started with simple secondary generalized partial seizures. The study reported the patient was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis racemosa, resection of lesions was performed with secondary inflammatory rupture intraoperative aneurysm clipping successful NCC,inflammatory changes in the literature described in the aneurysm wall and the dependent artery,secondary to immune process with vasculitis associated with a chronic inflammatory process, these changes in the aneurysm wall increase the possibility of intraoperative rupture. Histopathological report was conclusive with neurocysticercosis.

Longer epilepsy duration and multiple lobe involvement predict worse seizure outcomes for patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy associated with neurocysticercosis / Longa duração de epilepsia e envolvimento de múltiplos lobos são fatores preditivos de pior controle das crises convulsivas em pacientes com epilepsia refratária do lobo temporal associada a neurocisticercose

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the surgical outcomes of temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) and neurocysticercosis (NCC). Methods A retrospective investigation of patients with TLE-HS was conducted in a tertiary center. Results Seventy-nine (62.2%), 37 (29.1%), 6 (4.7%), and 5 (3.9%) patients were Engel class I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Fifty-two (71.2%) patients with epilepsy durations ≤ 10 years prior to surgery were seizure-free 1 year after the operation compared to 27 (50.0%) patients with epilepsy durations > 10 years (p = 0.0121). Forty-three (72.9%) patients with three or fewer lobes affected by NCC were seizure-free one year after the operation, and 36 (52.9%) patients with more than three involved lobes were seizure-free after surgery (p = 0.0163). Conclusions Longer epilepsy durations and multiple lobe involvement predicted worse seizure outcomes in TLE-HS plus NCC patients.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o resultado cirúrgico da epilepsia do lobo temporal associada à esclerose hipocampal (TLE-HS) e neurocisticercose (NCC). Métodos Estudo retrospectivo realizado em um centro de epilepsia. Resultados Cinqüenta e dois pacientes (71,2%) com 10 anos ou menos de epilepsia antes da cirurgia tornaram-se livres de crises após um ano da operação, enquanto que 27 (50,0%) com mais de dez anos tornaram-se livres de crises após a cirurgia (p = 0,0121). Quarenta e três pacientes (72,9%), com três ou menos lobos afetados pela NCC tornaram-se livres de crises após um ano de operação, enquanto que 36 pacientes (52,9%) com mais de três lobos envolvidos estavam livres de crises após a cirurgia (p = 0,0163). Conclusão A duração mais longa da epilepsia e o envolvimento de múltiplos lobos prevê pior resultado após a cirurgia para TLE-HS mais NCC.

Neurocisticercosis racemosa subaracnoidea gigante y ventricular: a propósito de un caso / Giant racemose subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis: A case report

La neurocisticercosis es la enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente del sistema nervioso central. Es causada por las larvas de Taenia solium, las cuales pueden estar alojadas en distintas localizaciones anatómicas. En países como España existe una prevalencia en ascenso debido, principalmente, a la inmigración desde regiones endémicas. Las formas extraparenquimatosas son menos frecuentes, pero más graves por su tendencia a producir complicaciones. La neuroimagen desempeña un papel primordial en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de esta enfermedad, apoyada en la serología y un contexto clínico-epidemiológico compatible. El tratamiento de elección son los fármacos cisticidas albendazol y praziquantel, habitualmente se asocian a estos corticoides y, cuando corresponde, la cirugía. Se presenta un caso de neurocisticercosis con afectación simultánea intraventricular y subaracnoidea en su forma racemosa gigante.

Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium, which can affect different anatomical sites. In Spain there is an increasing prevalence mainly due to immigration from endemic areas. The extraparenchymal forms are less common, but more serious because they usually develop complications. Neuroimaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease, supported by serology and a compatible clinical and epidemiological context. First-line treatments are cysticidal drugs such as albendazole and praziquantel, usually coadministered with corticosteroids, and in some cases surgery is indicated. We here report a case of neurocysticercosis with simultaneous intraventricular and giant racemose subarachnoid involvement.

Neurocysticercoiis in children presenting with febrile seizure: clinical profiile, imaging and serodiagnosis / Neurocisticercose em crianças apresentando crises afebris: perfil clínico, imagem e sorodiagnóstico

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the major causes of childhood seizures in developing countries including India and Latin America. In this study neurological pediatric cases presenting with afebrile seizures were screened for anti-Cysticercus antibodies (IgG) in their sera in order to estimate the possible burden of cysticercal etiology. The study included a total of 61 pediatric afebrile seizure subjects (aged one to 15 years old); there was a male predominance. All the sera were tested using a pre-evaluated commercially procured IgG-ELISA kit (UB-Magiwell Cysticercosis Kit ™). Anti-Cysticercus antibody in serum was positive in 23 of 61 (37.7%) cases. The majority of cases with a positive ELISA test presented with generalized seizure (52.17%), followed by complex partial seizure (26.08%), and simple partial seizure (21.73%). Headaches were the major complaint (73.91%). Other presentations were vomiting (47.82%), pallor (34.78%), altered sensorium (26.08%), and muscle weakness (13.04%). There was one hemiparesis case diagnosed to be NCC. In this study one child without any significant findings on imaging was also found to be positive by serology. There was a statistically significant association found between the cases with multiple lesions on the brain and the ELISA-positivity (p = 0.017). Overall positivity of the ELISA showed a potential cysticercal etiology. Hence, neurocysticercosis should be suspected in every child presenting with afebrile seizure especially with a radio-imaging supportive diagnosis in tropical developing countries or areas endemic for taeniasis/cysticercosis.

Neurocisticercose é uma das causas mais comuns de crises em crianças em países em desenvolvimento incluindo Índia e América Latina. Neste estudo casos neurológicos pediátricos, apresentando crises afebris foram selecionados através de anticorpos anti-Cysticercus (IgG) no seu soro para avaliar possível etiologia de Cysticercus. O estudo incluiu total de 61 casos pediátricos de indivíduos com crises afebris (idade de um a 15 anos); houve predominância de pacientes do sexo masculino. Todos os soros foram testados usando um kit comercial IgG-ELISA (UB-Magiwell Cysticercosis kit™) avaliado previamente. O anticorpo anti-Cysticercus no soro foi positivo em 23 de 61 casos (37,7%). A maioria dos casos com teste de ELISA positivo apresentava crises generalizadas (52,17%), seguida por casos de crises parciais complexas (26,08%) e crises parciais simples (21,73%). Dores de cabeça foram a queixa principal (73,91%). Outras manifestações foram vômitos (47,82%), palidez (34,78%), sensório alterado (26,08%) e fraqueza muscular (13,04%). Houve um caso de hemiparesia diagnosticado como NCC. Neste estudo uma criança sem quaisquer achados significantes às imagens apresentou sorologia positiva. Houve associação estatística significante entre os casos com múltiplas lesões no cérebro e a positividade pelo ELISA (p = 0,017). No seu conjunto a positividade pelo ELISA demonstra etiologia potencial para a cisticercose. Portanto neurocisticercose deve ser suspeitada em qualquer criança apresentado crises afebris com imagem que sugira diagnóstico em países tropicais em desenvolvimento ou em áreas endêmicas para teníase/cisticercose.

The relationship between neurocysticercosis and epilepsy: an endless debate / A relação entre neurocisticercose e epilepsia: um debate interminável

Neurocysticercosis (NC), or cerebral infection with Taenia solium, is an important public health problem worldwide. Among the neurological sequelae of NC, seizures have been described as the most common symptom. Acute symptomatic seizures often result from degeneration of a viable cyst; however, not all of these patients with acute or provoked seizures will develop epilepsy (i.e., recurrent unprovoked seizures). Because of the high prevalence of epilepsy and NC, a causal, as well as incidental relationship between the two may exist. The epileptogenicity of calcified cysts as well as the potential association between NC and hippocampal sclerosis necessitates future research. Antihelminthic treatment of NC results in disappearance of viable cysts in about one-third of patients with parenchymal disease, but a reduction in seizure recurrence has not been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. Prevention is critical to reduce the burden of seizure and epilepsy related to NC.

A neurocisticercose (NC) ou infecção cerebral pela Taenia solium é importante problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Entre as sequelas neurológicas da NC, as crises convulsivas têm sido descritas como os sintomas mais frequentes. Crises convulsivas sintomáticas agudas resultam, muitas vezes, da degeneração de cistos viáveis; entretanto, nem todos os pacientes com NC e crises agudas ou provocadas desenvolvem epilepsia (i.e., crises recorrentes não provocadas). Pode haver uma relação entre epilepsia e NC, causal ou incidental, devido à alta prevalência de ambas. O potencial epileptogênico dos cistos calcificados assim como a possível associação entre NC e esclerose hipocampal ainda necessitam de futuras pesquisas. O tratamento anti-helmíntico da NC resulta no desaparecimento de cistos viáveis em cerca de 1/3 dos pacientes com a doença parenquimatosa, mas não foi demonstrada redução nas taxas de recorrência das crises convulsivas em estudos randomizados controlados. A prevenção é crítica para reduzir o contingente de crises convulsivas e epilepsia relacionadas à NC.

Neurocisticercosis intraventricular tratada eficazmente con agentes anticéstodos / Intraventricular Neurocysticercosis effectively treated with anticestodal agents

Antecedentes: La neurocisticercosis se produce cuando el hombre se convierte en huésped intermediario de la Taenia solium al ingerir sus huevecillos. Esto ocurre al consumir carne de cerdo (principal huésped intermediario) con una cocción incompleta. Estas condiciones son comunes en áreas rurales sobre todo en países en vías de desarrollo, como Honduras; en donde, la prevalencia es desconocida, pero se ha demostrado que una de las zonas más endémicas de neurocisticercosis en el país es el Occidente, zona en la cual el ganado porcino constituye una de las principales fuentes de alimentación. Con respecto al tratamiento, los agentes anticéstodos han modificado el pronóstico de esta entidad; sin embargo, a pesar de ello, algunos enfermos evolucionan de forma desfavorable, particularmente en quistes ventriculares en el cerebro. Con éste reporte se pretende demostrar que el uso de agentes anticéstodos, como el albendazol es una opción terapéutica eficaz en el manejo de la neurocisticercosis intraventricular. Caso Clínico: paciente femenino procedente de Santa Rosa de Copán, al occidente del país, con historia de cefalea bitemporal de 5 años de evolución, asociada a fiebre no cuantificada y episodios de vómito. Estudios radiológicos reportaron imagen quística en IV ventrículo, que correspondía a probable quiste neurocisticercósico sin hidrocefalia, la paciente recibió tratamiento con Albendazol a dosis de 15 mg/kg/día por 14 días, con lo cual se obtuvo remisión de los síntomas, además, de reducción en el tamaño del quiste. Conclusión: Puede considerarse el uso de albendazol como una opción terapéutica eficaz en pacientes con neurocisticercosis intraventricular no complicada con hidrocefalia...

Neurocisticercose em pacientes epilépticos acompanhados em um ambulatório especializado / Neurocysticercosis in epileptic patients followed at a specialized clinic

A neurocisticercose (NCC) é a causa identificável mais comum de epilepsia em países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo desse estudo é investigar o perfil dos pacientes com diagnóstico de NCC acompanhados em um ambulatório neurológico especializado em epilepsia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo de 502 pacientes com epilepsia. RESULTADOS: NCC foi encontrada em 14,9% dos pacientes, sendo que 73,3% destes apresentaram crises focais. A farmacorresistência foi observada em um maior percentual de pacientes com NCC (32,0%, 24/75) em comparação com os pacientes sem NCC. CONCLUSÃO: A freqüência de NCC mostrou-se elevada nesse contexto clínico, associando-se à refratariedade à medicação.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common identifiable cause of epilepsy in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of patients diagnosed with NCC followed at a specialized neurological service in epilepsy. METHODS: This was a transversal descriptive study of 502 patients with epilepsy. RESULTS: NCC was found in 14.9% of patients, 73.3% of them had focal seizures. Drug resistance was observed in a higher percentage of patients with NCC (32.0%, 24/75) in comparison with patients without NCC. CONCLUSION: The frequency of NCC was elevated in the present clinical setting, being associated with refractoriness to anti-epileptic medication.

Perfil epidemiológico y clínico de pacientes con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en el Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena de Temuco entre los años 2000-2006: serie de casos / Epidemiological – clinical profile of patients with diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in Temuco’s Hospital between 2000-2006

Introducción: Neurocisticercosis es la infección parasitaria más frecuente del sistema nervioso central, causada por ingesta de alimentos contaminados con huevos del céstodo Taenia solium. La forma más común de presentación son crisis covulsivas. Objetivo: Realizar perfil epidemiológico y clínico de pacientes con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en el Hospital de Temuco, entre los años 2000-2006. Pacientes y Método: Revisión retrospectiva del 100 por ciento (n = 26) de historias clínicas de pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis, según código de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE – 10 B69.0), entre 1 de enero de 2000 y 31 de diciembre de 2006. Resultados: Media de edad al diagnóstico de 33,6 años; 65,3 por ciento de sexo masculino; 73,1 por ciento no registró apellidos de origen mapuche; 73,0 por ciento fueron procedentes de áreas urbanas. Crisis convulsivas fue el motivo de consulta más frecuente. Mediana de evolución de 30 días al momento de la consulta; 30,7 por ciento descritos como “larga data”, sin estimación exacta del tiempo evolución. El 100 por ciento fue estudiado con neuroimágenes. La mayoría presentó 2 o más lesiones y 80 por ciento de localización parenquimatosa; 30,7 por ciento requirió cirugía, indicada por hidrocefalia secundaria. No hubo pacientes fallecidos en esta serie. Conclusiones: Afecta a población activa, con predominio de sexo masculino, la mayoría sin apellidos mapuches y de procedencia urbana. Uno de cada tres pacientes consultó por crisis convulsivas. Todos nuestros pacientes fueron estudiados con neuroimágenes, que mostraron dos lesiones y de ubicación parenquimatosa en la mayoría de los casos. Un tercio requirió manejo quirúrgico, por hidrocefalia secundaria como complicación.

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused from the ingestion of food that contains the Taenia solium eggs. Seizures are the most common clinical features. Aim: To establish an epidemiological-clinical profile of patients diagnosed with Neurocysticercosis in the Hospital of Temuco between the years 2000-2006. Methods and patients: Retrospective review of the 100 percent (n = 26) of clinical histories of patients diagnosed with Neurocysticercosis according to the International Classification of Diseases (CIE – 10 B69.0), between the 1st of January, 2000 and the 31th of December, 2006. Results: Average of age at diagnosis of 33,6 years old; 65,3 percent are male; 73,1 percent with no Mapudungun last names; 73,0 percent from urban areas. The principal reason of consult was seizures. Average 30-day evolution at the time of consultation; 30,7 percent were described as “long data”, without an exact estimation of the time of evolution. Within the 100 percent that was studied with neuroimaging, most of them presented two lesions and 80 percent was in the parenchyma; 30,7 percent needed surgery, in most of the cases because of hydrocephalus. Any of the patients died in this group. Conclusions: This pathology affects active population. Just a few were male, and most of them did not have Mapudungun last names or come from urban areas. One of three patients consulted because of seizures. All of the patients were studied with neuroimaging and in most cases they had two lesions and parenchymal localization. One of three patients required surgical management because of hydrocephalus.

Neuroendoscopic surgery for unilateral hydrocephalus due to inflammatory obstruction of the Monro foramen / Cirurgia neuroendoscópica para tratamento da hidrocefalia unilateral secundária à obstrução inflamatória do forame de Monro

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral hydrocephalus (UH) is characterized by enlargement of just one lateral ventricle. In this paper, the authors will demonstrate their experiences in the neuroendoscopic management of this uncommon type of hydrocephalus. METHOD: The authors retrospectively reviewed a serie of almost 800 neuroendoscopic procedures performed from September 1995 to July 2010 and selected seven adult patients with UH. Clinical and radiological charts were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients had intraventricular neurocysticercosis and one patient had congenital stenosis of the foramen of Monro. Headaches were the most common symptom. A septostomy restored cerebrospinal fluid circulation. During follow-up period (65.5 months, range 3-109) no patient has presented clinical recurrence as well as no severe complications have been observed. CONCLUSION: UH is a rare condition. A successful treatment can be accomplished through a neuroendoscopic approach avoiding the use of ventricular shunts.

OBJETIVO: Hidrocefalia unilateral (HU) é caracterizada pelo alargamento de apenas um dos ventrículos laterais. Neste estudo, os autores demonstraram sua experiência no manejo deste tipo incomum de hidrocefalia. MÉTODO: Foram revisados, de uma série de quase 800 cirurgias neuroendoscópicas realizadas entre Setembro de 1995 e Julho de 2010, sete pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de HU. Dados clínicos e radiológicos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Seis pacientes tinham neurocisticercose intraventricular e um apresentava uma estenose congênita do forame de Monro. Cefaléia foi o sintoma clínico mais comum. Uma septostomia restabeleceu o fluxo liquórico. Durante o seguimento (65,5 meses, de 3-109), nenhum paciente apresentou recorrência clínica assim como nenhuma complicação grave foi observada. CONCLUSÃO: HU é uma condição rara. O tratamento satisfatório pode ser alcançado por meio de uma abordagem neuroendoscópica evitando, desta maneira, o uso de sistemas de derivação ventricular.