ABSTRACT
Introduction and importance: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, is caused by blood flukes from the schistosoma genus. Neuroschistosomiasis is the most severe form of schistosomiasis, which occurs when the host's brain and spinal cord react to the deposition of eggs, leading to neurological symptoms. Neuroschistosomiasis causes various signs and symptoms, such as myelopathy, radiculopathy, and elevated intracranial pressure. Case presentation: A 12-year-old child from Ethiopia who presented with progressive weakness in his lower extremities that has been ongoing for 2 months. Alongside the weakness, the patient also experienced tingling sensations and numbness in his lower extremities. Additionally, he had bladder and bowel incontinence. Spinal MRI showed signs suggestive of myxopapillary ependymoma, but the histopathology result showed schistosomiasis. Postoperatively, the patient had a slight improvement in terms of lower extremity weakness (flickering of the digits). However, there was no improvement in his continence ability. Clinical discussion: The most common neurological manifestation of Schistosoma mansoni infection is myelopathy, which includes subacute myeloradiculopathy and acute transverse myelitis. The cauda equina and conus medullaris are the areas most frequently affected. Conclusion: When spinal schistosomiasis presents itself as a mimicking spinal tumour, it poses a complex clinical challenge that necessitates a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. It is imperative for healthcare practitioners to enhance their knowledge and awareness of this uncommon parasitic infection, particularly in regions where it is prevalent.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Calcified chronic subdural hematoma is a rare and infrequent diagnosis made in clinical practice according to the literature. Calcification of chronic subdural hematoma is found more frequently in children and young adults than in the aged. The proposed mechanism of calcification may involve poor circulation and absorption in the subdural space together with intravascular thrombosis and prolonged existence of the hematoma in the subdural space. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old Ethiopian male patient presented with progressive right-sided body weakness of 8-month duration. The weakness started in the right lower extremity and progressively involved the upper extremity. Associated with the above complaint, he had had also a globalized headache of the same duration. Pre- and post-contrast brain computed tomography scans showed a right hemispheric extra-axial collection that crossed the suture line, with a maximum depth of 2.3 cm. Subsequently, craniotomy and hematoma evacuation were carried out and the patient was discharged improved. CONCLUSION: The most common symptom of calcified chronic subdural hematoma is headache followed by lethargy, confusion, memory impairment weakness, and seizures. A diminished level of consciousness is relatively common and motor deficits are usually manifested as hemiparesis or gait disturbance. Most calcified chronic subdural hematomas can be diagnosed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and differentiated from the usual chronic subdural hematoma by imaging studies and gross pathology. Surgical treatment is advised in symptomatic patients when feasible, and often results in neurological improvement. Here we presented a patient with an uncommon calcified chronic subdural hematoma, which was successfully evacuated, resulting in a good recovery.