Screening, diagnosis and management of human cysticercosis and Taenia solium taeniasis: technical recommendations by the COHEMI project study group.

Neurocysticercosis, the central nervous system's localised form of cysticercosis, is considered to be the leading cause of epilepsy in the developing world. In Europe, the disease is mainly imported and affects both immigrants and travellers. However, autochthonous cases of cysticercosis in low-endemic countries could also originate from Taenia solium carriers (migrants or travellers) who acquired taeniasis overseas. Management of cysticercosis is a challenge for European healthcare providers as they are often hardly aware of this infection and have little familiarity in managing this disease. This study provides a summary of recommendations concerning screening, diagnosis and management of cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis in Europe drawn up by nine experts in migrant health and imported diseases with experience in cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis.

Cost of neurocysticercosis patients treated in two referral hospitals in Mexico City, Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate annual costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and productivity losses among patients with neurocysticercosis (NCC) receiving treatment at two referral hospitals, the Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia (INNN) and the Hospital de Especialidades of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (HE-IMSS), in Mexico City from July 2007 to August 2008. METHODS: Information on presenting clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, hospitalisations, surgical procedures and other treatments received by NCC outpatients was collected from medical charts, and supplemented by an individual questionnaire regarding productivity losses and out-of-pocket expenses related to NCC. RESULTS: The annual average per-patient direct costs were US$ 503 (95% CI: 414-592) and US$ 438 (95% CI: 322-571) for patients without a history of hospitalisation and/or surgery seen at the INNN and the HE-IMSS, respectively. These costs increased to US$ 2506 (95% CI: 1797-3215) and US$ 2170 (95% CI: 1303-3037), respectively, for patients with a history of hospitalisation and/or surgery. The average annual per-patient indirect costs were US$ 246 (95% CI: 165-324) and US$ 114 (95% CI: 51-178), respectively, using minimum salary wages for individuals not officially employed. CONCLUSIONS: The total annual cost for patients who had and had not been hospitalised and/or undergone a surgical procedure for the diagnosis or treatment of NCC corresponded to 212% and 41% of an annual minimum wage salary, respectively. The disease tends to affect rural socioeconomically disadvantaged populations and creates health disparities and significant economic losses in Mexico.

Seizures, cysticercosis and rural-to-urban migration: the PERU MIGRANT study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of seizures, epilepsy and seropositivity to cysticercosis in rural villagers (cysticercosis-endemic setting), rural-to-urban migrants into a non-endemic urban shanty town and urban inhabitants of the same non-endemic shanty town. METHODS: Three Peruvian populations (n = 985) originally recruited into a study about chronic diseases and migration were studied. These groups included rural inhabitants from an endemic region (n = 200), long-term rural-to-urban migrants (n = 589) and individuals living in the same urban setting (n = 196). Seizure disorders were detected by a survey, and a neurologist examined positive respondents. Serum samples from 981/985 individuals were processed for cysticercosis antibodies on immunoblot. RESULTS: Epilepsy prevalence (per 1000 people) was 15.3 in the urban group, 35.6 in migrants and 25 in rural inhabitants. A gradient in cysticercosis antibody seroprevalence was observed: urban 2%, migrant 13.5% and rural group 18% (P < 0.05). A similarly increasing pattern of higher seroprevalence was observed among migrants by age at migration. In rural villagers, there was strong evidence of an association between positive serology and having seizures (P = 0.011) but such an association was not observed in long-term migrants or in urban residents. In the entire study population, compared with seronegative participants, those with strong antibody reactions (≥ 4 antibody bands) were more likely to have epilepsy (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is not only international migration that affects cysticercosis endemicity; internal migration can also affect patterns of endemicity within an endemic country. The neurological consequences of cysticercosis infection likely outlast the antibody response for years after rural-to-urban migration.

Intrathecal gadodiamide for identifying subarachnoid and ventricular neurocysticercosis.

OBJECTIVE: Some neurocysticercosis cysts may remain hidden despite novel MRI sequences. This study evaluates the diagnostic value of gadodiamide (GDD)-contrasted MRI cisternography in selected cases of neurocysticercosis. METHODS: We included patients aged 18-65 years with a probable diagnosis of subarachnoid cysticercosis in whom previous neuroimaging studies failed to demonstrate the presence of cysts. One millilitre of GDD was administered intrathecally as a contrast agent with subsequent performance of MRI. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included. Optimal contrast diffusion was achieved in nine patients, and partial diffusion was achieved in 4. Intracranial vesicles were identified in 10 patients, with the presence of more than 60 basal subarachnoid vesicles being revealed in all, with five cysts in the fourth ventricle in four patients and a floating cyst in the lateral ventricle in one. In one case, intrathecal GDD demonstrated spinal cysticercosis. No adverse events were reported after intrathecal GDD administration. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal GDD administration is useful for the diagnosis of subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis and can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy in selected cases.

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

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.

Taenia solium metacestode fasciclin-like protein is reactive with sera of chronic neurocysticercosis.

OBJECTIVES: Neurocysticercosis (NC), an infection of the central nervous system with Taenia solium metacestodes (TsM), invokes a formidable neurological disease. A bundle of antigens is applicable for serodiagnosis of active cases, while they demonstrate fairly low reactivity against sera of chronic NC. Identification of sensitive biomarkers for chronic NC is critical for appropriate management of patients. METHODS: Proteome analysis revealed several isoforms of 65- and 83-kDa TsM fasciclin-like proteins (TsMFas) to be highly reactive with sera of chronic NC. A cDNA encoding one of the 83-kDa TsMFas (TsMFas1) was isolated from a cDNA library. We expressed a recombinant protein (rTsMFas1) and evaluated its diagnostic potential employing sera from chronic NC (n = 80), tissue-invasive cestodiases (n = 169) and trematodiases (n = 80) and those of normal controls (n = 50). RESULTS: Secretory TsMFas1 was composed of 766 amino acid polypeptide and harboured fasciclin and fasciclin-superfamily domains. The protein was constitutively expressed in metacestode and adult stages, with preferential locality in the scolex. Bacterially expressed rTsMFas1 exhibited 78.8% sensitivity (63/80 cases) and 93% specificity (278/299 samples) in diagnosing chronic NC. Some cross-reactivity was observed with sera of cystic echinococcosis (10/56, 17.8%) and sparganosis (4/50, 8%). Positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 95.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TsM fasciclin-like protein may be useful for differential diagnosis of chronic NC in clinical settings, especially where both NC and other infectious cerebral granulomatoses are prevalent.

Neurocisticercosis infantil. A propósito de un caso / Infantile neurocysticercosis. About a case

La neurocisticercosis es una de las infecciones parasitarias más frecuentes, originada por la larva de la Taenia solium al invadir el sistema nervioso central. Esta patología es endémica de algunos países de África, y está relacionada con hábitos dietéticos, costumbres, higiene y factores socioeconómicos, con mayor incidencia en pacientes escolares y adolescentes, aunque puede presentarse a cualquier edad. Su clínica es variable, unida a criterios epidemiológicos que hacen indispensable al médico de asistencia realizar examen clínico y estudios imagenológicos. Se presenta el caso clínico de una niña de 10 años de edad procedente de Kuito-Bie, Angola, que acude a consulta de neurología, con pérdida de la visión de aproximadamente seis meses de evolución, disminución de la fuerza muscular, episodios de alucinaciones, lenguaje incoherente y convulsiones tónico-clónicas generalizadas de siete días de evolución. Se solicita, de urgencia, una tomografía axial computarizada de cráneo, donde se confirma neurocisticercosis activa, con epilepsia sintomática en el curso de la misma. Los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos permiten un diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento eficaz, lo que determina la evolución clínica de la neurocisticercosis en la infancia, según el estadio clínico y la respuesta inmunológica del huésped(AU)

Neurocysticercosis is one of the most frequent parasitic infections caused by the larva of Taenia solium when invading the central nervous system. This pathology is endemic to some African countries, and is related to dietary habits, customs, hygiene and socioeconomic factors, with a higher incidence in school patients and adolescents, although it can occur at any age. Its clinical symptoms are variable, linked to epidemiological criteria that make it essential for the attending physician to perform a clinical examination and imaging studies It is presented the clinical case of a 10-year-old girl from Kuito-Bie, Angola, who attended the neurology clinic with vision loss of approximately 6 months of evolution, decreased muscle strength, episodes of hallucinations, incoherent speech, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures of 7 days of evolution. An emergency computed axial tomography of the skull was requested, where active neurocysticercosis is confirmed, with symptomatic epilepsy in its course. Clinical and imaging findings allow timely diagnosis and effective treatment, which determines the clinical evolution of neurocysticercosis in childhood, depending on the clinical stage and the host's immune response(AU)

Diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en pacientes con epilepsia residentes en el suroeste de la República Dominicana / Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in patients with epilepsy living in the south-western Dominican Republic

Introducción La neurocisticercosis (NCC), una posible causa de epilepsia con datos epidemiológicos limitados en la República Dominicana, es endémica en cuatro provincias de la región suroeste. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la NCC y la epilepsia en personas que viven en estas regiones endémicas, así como obtener datos preliminares sobre la prevalencia de NCC en estas provincias. Sujetos y métodos Se utilizó un diseño de casos y controles compuesto por 111 pacientes con epilepsia de causa desconocida y 60 controles sin epilepsia ni NCC. El diagnóstico de NCC se basó en la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética del cráneo, así como en el inmunotransferencia de Western para anticuerpos séricos contra Taenia solium, siguiendo los criterios de Del Brutto et al. Resultados Se encontró NCC en el 27% de los pacientes con epilepsia (n = 30/111) y en el 5% de los controles (n = 3/60); los casos de epilepsia tenían siete veces más probabilidades de tener NCC que los controles (odds ratio = 7,04, intervalo de confianza al 95%: 2,04-24,18; p < 0,001). Las características sociodemográficas de los participantes, como la edad, el sexo, el nivel de escolaridad, la ocupación y la provincia de residencia no mostraron significación estadística en cuanto a la asociación con NCC. Conclusiones Este estudio sugiere que la NCC está fuertemente asociada con la epilepsia en la región suroeste de la República Dominicana, y destaca la necesidad de medidas de salud pública para mejorar la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de ambas enfermedades. (AU)

INTRODUCTION Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a possible cause of epilepsy with limited epidemiological data in the Dominican Republic, is endemic in four provinces in the country’s south-western region. This study aimed to determine the association between NCC and epilepsy among people living in these endemic regions, and to obtain preliminary data on the prevalence of NCC in these provinces. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case-control design was used, consisting of 111 patients with epilepsy with unknown causes, and 60 controls without epilepsy or NCC. The diagnosis of NCC was based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, as well as Western immunoblotting for serum antibodies using Taenia solium, following the criteria of Del Brutto et al. RESULTS NCC was found in 27% of the epileptic patients (n = 30/111) and in 5% of the controls (n = 3/60); the probability of the epileptic patients having NCC was seven times higher than the controls (odds ratio = 7.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.04-24.18; p < 0.001). The participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, including their age, sex, level of education, occupation, and province of residence presented no statistical significance in terms of their association with NCC. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that NCC is strongly associated with epilepsy in the south-western region of the Dominican Republic, and highlights the need for public health measures to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both diseases. (AU)

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes in neurocysticercosis / Ultrasonografía Doppler transcraneal para evaluar cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales en neurocisticercosis

Abstract Background Arteritis is a complication of neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is not well known and could trigger strokes. The transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is a noninvasive method for detecting, staging, and monitoring cerebrovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the utility of TCD to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes, suggesting vasculitis associated with NCC remains uncertain. Objective To evaluate cerebral hemodynamic changes using TCD in patients with subarachnoid and parenchymal NCC. Methods There were 53 patients with NCC evaluated at a reference hospital for neurological diseases included (29 with subarachnoid and 24 with parenchymal). Participants underwent a clinical interview and serology for cysticercosis and underwent TCD performed within 2 weeks of enrollment. Mean flow velocity, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, and pulsatility index were recorded. Results Among the participants, there were 23 (43.4%) women, with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 29-48). Cerebral hemodynamic changes suggesting vasculitis were detected in 12 patients (22.64%); the most compromised vessel was the middle cerebral artery in 11 (91.67%) patients. There were more females in the group with sonographic signs of vasculitis (10/12, 83.33% vs. 13/41, 31.71%; p = 0.002), and this was more frequent in the subarachnoid NCC group (9/29, 31.03% vs. 3/24, 12.5%; p = 0.187), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Cerebral hemodynamic changes suggestive of vasculitis are frequent in patients with NCC and can be evaluated using TCD.

Resumen Antecedentes La arteritis es una complicación de la neurocisticercosis (NCC), que no siempre se conoce y podría desencadenar enfermedad cerebrovascular. La ultrasonografía Doppler transcraneal (DTC) es un método no invasivo que sirve para detectar y monitorizar enfermedades cerebrovasculares. No obstante, la utilidad de la DTC para evaluar los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales que sugieren vasculitis asociada a NCC sigue siendo incierta. Objetivo Evaluar los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales utilizando DTC en pacientes con NCC subaracnoidea y parenquimal. Métodos Se incluyeron 53 pacientes con NCC (29 con subaracnoidea y 24 con parenquimal) evaluados en un hospital de referencia para enfermedades neurológicas. Los participantes se sometieron a una entrevista clínica y serología para cisticercosis y a una DTC realizada dentro de las 2 semanas posteriores a la inscripción. Se registraron la velocidad media del flujo, la velocidad sistólica máxima, la velocidad diastólica final y el índice de pulsatilidad. Resultados Los participantes incluyeron 23 (43,4%) mujeres con una mediana de edad de 37 años (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 29-48). Se detectaron cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales sugestivos de vasculitis en 12 pacientes (22,64%); el vaso más comprometido fue la arteria cerebral media, en 11 (91,67%) pacientes. Hubo más mujeres en el grupo con signos ecográficos de vasculitis (10/12, 83,33% versus 13/41, 31,71%; p = 0,002), y esto fue más frecuente en el grupo de NCC subaracnoidea (9/29, 31,03% versus 3/24, 12,5%; p = 0,187), aunque esta diferencia no alcanzó significancia estadística. Conclusión Los cambios hemodinámicos cerebrales sugestivos de vasculitis son frecuentes en pacientes con NCC y pueden evaluarse mediante DTC.

Neurocisticercosis y epilepsia en un hospital universitario de Popayán, Colombia: una serie de casos / Neurocysticercosis and epilepsy in a university hospital in Popayán, Colombia: A case series

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: La neurocisticercosis es una infección del sistema nervioso central causada por el estadio larvario del cestodo Taenia solium, y se estima que puede ocasionar hasta 30% de los casos de epilepsia en los países donde esta parasitosis es endémica. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de pacientes que presentaron epilepsia como secuela de neurocisticercosis en un hospital universitario en Popayán. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis que ingresaron al Hospital Universitario San José entre enero 2014 y diciembre 2018 que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 50 pacientes, de estos, 40 (80%) reingresaron, encontrándose que 37 (74%) presentaron epilepsia como secuela. Las edades más afectadas fueron la de 41 a 60 años; 48 (96%) provenían del departamento del Cauca en especial de Mercaderes, y 33 (66%) de área rural. El síndrome convulsivo fue la manifestación clínica de ingreso más frecuente. La TAC fue la técnica de imagen de elección. CONCLUSIÓN: El departamento del Cauca se considera como una de las áreas endémicas para neurocisticercosis en Colombia, y la epilepsia secundaria es un secuela común.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of the cestode Taenia solium, it has been estimated to produce up to 30% of the cases in countries where this parasitosis is endemic. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of patients who presented epilepsy as a sequel of neurocysticercosis in a university hospital in Popayán. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with all patients with a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis who were admitted to the Hospital Universitario San José between January 2014 and December 2018 who met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: We found 50 patients, 40 (80%) of which were readmitted and 37 (74%) presented epilepsy as sequela. The most affected age-group was 41 to 60 years; 48 (96%) were from the department of Cauca, especially Mercaderes, and 33 (66%) from rural areas. Convulsive syndrome was the most frequent clinical manifestation on admission. CT was the imaging technique of choice. CONCLUSION: The department of Cauca is considered as an endemic area for neurocysticercosis, and secondary epilepsy was a common consequence.

A rare presentation of Neurocysticercosis with myoclonus / Una presentación rara de Neurocisticercosis con mioclonías

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the infection of the central nervous system (CNS) by the larval stage of Taenia solium, with higher prevalence in developing countries. Seizures (more frequently partial seizures) and headaches are the most common clinical manifestations of NCC. Itsdiagnosis requires compatible exposure history, clinical manifestations and imaging results. We report the case of a 59 year-old man with NCCpresenting with myoclonus, which is a rarer form of presentation of this disease. (AU)

Infección experimental cerebral con cisticercosis en ovejas / Experimental brain infection with cysticercosis in sheep

RESUMEN Objetivo . Explorar la viabilidad de desarrollar un modelo de neurocisticercosis (NCC) de oveja mediante infección intracraneal de oncosferas de T. solium. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un modelo de infección experimental de NCC en ovejas. Se inocularon aproximadamente 10 posoncósferas de T. solium cultivadas previamente por 30 días por vía intracraneal en diez ovejas. Las oncósferas, en 0,1 mL de solución salina fisiológica, se inyectaron en el lóbulo parietal a través de una aguja de calibre 18. Resultados. Después de tres meses, en dos ovejas se encontraron granulomas y en una tercera identificó un quiste de 5 mm de diámetro en el ventrículo lateral derecho y la evaluación histológica confirmó que el quiste corresponde a una larva de T. solium. También se utilizó inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpos monoclonales dirigidos contra componentes de membrana y antígenos excretorios/secretorios del quiste de T. solium para confirmar la etiología de los granulomas encontrados. Uno de ellos mostro reactividad ante los anticuerpos monoclonales utilizados, confirmando así que se trató de un cisticerco. Conclusión. Este experimento es la prueba de concepto de que es posible infectar ovejas con cisticercosis por inoculación intracraneal.

ABSTRACT Objective. To explore the feasibility of developing a sheep model of neurocysticercosis (NCC) by intracranial infection with T. solium oncospheres. Materials and methods. We carried out an experimental infection model of NCC in sheep. Approximately 10 T. solium oncospheres previously cultured for 30 days were inoculated intracranially into ten sheep. The oncospheres, in 0.1 mL of physiological saline, were injected into the parietal lobe through an 18-gauge needle. Results. After three months, granulomas were found in two sheep. In a third sheep we identified a 5 mm diameter cyst in the right lateral ventricle and histological evaluation confirmed that the cyst corresponded to a T. solium larva. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies directed against membrane components and excretory/secretory antigens of the T. solium cyst was also used to confirm the etiology of the found granulomas. One of them showed reactivity to the monoclonal antibodies used, thus confirming that it was a cysticercus. Conclusion. This experiment is the proof of concept that it is possible to infect sheep with cysticercosis by intracranial inoculation.

Correlación entre variables clínicas y tomográficas en pacientes con neurocisticercosis. Estudio en una cohorte de pacientes de la Sierra Norte ecuatoriana entre 2019 y 2020 / Correlation between clinical and tomographic variables in patients with neurocysticercosis. A study in a cohort of patients in Sierra Norte, Ecuador, between 2019 and 2020

Introducción: La neurocisticercosis es la enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente en el sistema nervioso central de los humanos. Objetivo: Establecer la correlación entre variables clínicas y tomográficas en pacientes con neurocisticercosis en la consulta de neurología del Hospital San Vicente de Paúl y el Hospital Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social de Ibarra durante 2020. Pacientes y métodos: Investigación descriptiva, correlacional y transversal. Población y muestra: 93 pacientes. La información se recolectó en la consulta de neurología. Para el diagnóstico se utilizaron criterios clínicos e imagenológicos. Se calculó la odds ratio (OR) –intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC 95%)–. Para el análisis multivariado, se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística binaria. Se consideró significación estadística cuando p < 0,05. Resultados: Síntomas: cefalea (77,4%) y crisis epilépticas (41,9%). Hallazgos tomográficos: tamaño < 1 cm (67,7%), lesión única (54,8%) y lesión supratentorial (93,5%). Hubo varias correlaciones clinicotomográficas en el análisis bivariado: la presencia de crisis epilépticas se asoció con lesiones de tamaño > 1 cm (OR: 9,65; IC 95%: 3,48-26,7), el estadio vesicular + ventricular coloidal + nodular (OR: 3,9; IC 95%: 1,64-9,28) y la topografía parenquimatosa (OR: 5,03; IC 95%: 2,03-12,4) (p < 0,05). La cefalea y la reducción de la fuerza muscular se asociaron con topografía parenquimatosa y estadio de las lesiones, respectivamente (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: A pesar de cursar con un amplio espectro clínico, la presencia de crisis epilépticas, cefalea y reducción de la fuerza muscular parece ser la manifestación más representativa, por lo que debería evaluarse su inclusión en el desarrollo de puntuaciones pronósticas que permitan evaluar el enfoque diagnóstico y evolutivo por estudio de imagen en investigaciones posteriores.(AU)

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most frequent parasitic disease in the central nervous system of humans. Objective. to establish the correlation between clinical and tomographic variables in patients with neurocysticercosis in the neurology consultation of Hospital San Vicente de Paúl and Hospital IESS Ibarra, during the year 2020. Patients and methods: descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional research. Population and sample: 93 patients. The information was collected in the neurology consultation. Clinical and imaging criteria were used for diagnosis. Odds Ratio (OR; 95% CI) was calculated. For multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression models were used. Statistical significance was considered when the value of p <0.05. Results: Symptoms: headache (77.4%), epilepsy (41.9%). Tomographic findings: size < 1 cm (67.7%), single lesion (54.8%), supratentorial (93.5%). There were several clinical / tomographic correlations in the bivariate analysis, the presence of epilepsy was associated with lesions of size >1 cm (OR: 9.65; 95% CI: 3.48-26.7), the vesicular + ventricular colloidal stage + nodular (OR: 3.90; 95% CI: 1.64-9.28) and parenchymal topography (OR: 5.03; 95% CI: 2.03-12.4) (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, epilepsy was not associated with tomographic aspects such as the size, stage and topography of the cysticerci (p < 0.05). Headache and reduced muscle strength were associated with parenchymal topography and stage of lesions respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite having a wide clinical spectrum, the presence of epilepsy, headache, and reduced muscle strength seem to be the most representative manifestations, so their inclusion in the development of prognostic scores should be evaluated, which allow evaluating the approach diagnostic and evolutionary in subsequent research.(AU)

Correlación entre estado cognitivo y hallazgos tomográficos en pacientes con neurocisticercosis. Ecuador, 2019 - 2020

RESUMEN Fundamento: Muchos pacientes con neurocisticercosis manifiestan deterioro cognitivo, con afectaciones importantes en su calidad de vida. Objetivo determinar la correlación entre el estado cognitivo y los hallazgos tomográficos en pacientes con neurocisticercosis. Métodos estudio correlacional, prospectivo y transversal, que incluyó a 93 pacientes con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis atendidos en dos hospitales ecuatorianos, desde mayo de 2019 a mayo de 2020. Para la valoración cognitiva se utilizó el Mini-Mental State Examination, de Folstein. Se estimó el riesgo relativo y la prueba de Chi cuadrado, considerando significación estadística si p<0,05. Para el análisis multivariado se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística binaria. Resultados entre los hallazgos tomográficos, se destacaron las lesiones mayores de 1 cm (32,2 %), las múltiples (30,1 %), localizadas en la región parietal (34,4 %) y las subaracnoideas (46,2 %). La evaluación cognitiva mostró resultados normales en 74,2 % de los casos, así como demencia leve a moderada en 9,7 % de los pacientes. El área más afectada fue la del lenguaje (54,8 %). La demencia se asoció principalmente con el tamaño de la lesión mayor de un 1 centímetro [RR: 7,35; IC 95 %: 1,62-33,3], seguido del número de lesiones (múltiples o racemosa) y la topografía mixta. En el análisis multivariado estas perdieron la correlación. Conclusión El déficit cognitivo tuvo una prevalencia menor a la descrita en la literatura especializada, y se asoció con variables tomográficas como el tamaño, número y localización de las lesiones; en el análisis multivariado, ninguno de estos factores mantuvo su significación estadística.

ABSTRACT Background Many patients with neurocysticercosis manifest cognitive damage, with important effects on their quality of life. Objective to determine the correlation between cognitive status and tomographic findings in patients with neurocysticercosis. Method correlational, prospective and cross-sectional study, which included 93 patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis treated in two Ecuadorian hospitals, from May 2019 to May 2020. The Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination was used for cognitive assessment. The relative risk and the Chi square test were estimated, considering statistical significance if p<0.05. For the multivariate analysis, a binary logistic regression model was used. Results among the tomographic findings, lesions greater than 1 cm (32.2%), multiple (30.1%), located in the parietal region (34.4%) and subarachnoid (46.2%) enhance. The cognitive evaluation showed normal results in 74.2% of the cases, as well as mild to moderate dementia in 9.7% of the patients. The most affected area was the language (54.8%). Dementia was mainly associated with lesion size greater than 1 centimeter [RR: 7.35; 95% CI: 1.62-33.3], followed by the number of lesions (multiple or racemose) and the mixed topography. In the multivariate analysis, these lost the correlation. Conclusion The cognitive deficit had a lower prevalence than that described in the specialized literature, and was associated with tomographic variables such as the size, number and location of the lesions; in multivariate analysis, none of these factors maintained their statistical significance.

Características clínicas de pacientes con epilepsia atendidos en la atención primaria / Clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy attending primary health care

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo llenar el vacío de conocimiento actual en la bibliografía mediante la identificación de las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con epilepsia que asisten a la atención primaria de salud. Pacientes y métodos: Éste fue un estudio transversal que involucró a adultos (18 años o mayores) con epilepsia que asistieron a atención primaria de salud de un país en desarrollo entre 2015 y 2019. Se recopilaron información demográfica y datos relacionados con la epilepsia. Resultados: Se evaluó a un total de 140 pacientes –51,4%, varones; edad media (± desviación estándar), 44,9 ± 17,8 años–. La edad media de inicio de las crisis fue de 29,9 ± 22,9 años, con una evolución media de 14,3 ± 15,4 años. Las crisis focales presentes en el 88,57% de los casos y evolucionaron a crisis tonicoclónicas bilaterales (45,16%). De las generalizadas, las crisis motoras predominaron con el 81,82%; las ausencias, el 9,09%; y las motoras + ausencias, el 9,09%. Entre las crisis motoras de inicio generalizado, predominó la tonicoclónica, con un 55,56%. Entre los tipos, predominó la epilepsia focal (88,57%). Las etiologías primarias fueron desconocidas (62,14%), causas estructurales (27,85%) e infecciosas (9,28%). Los pacientes en monoterapia representaron el 66,1%, con control de la epilepsia en el 92,4%. Los fármacos antiepilépticos más utilizados fueron la carbamacepina (33,1%), el ácido valproico (28,2%) y el fenobarbital (10,4%). Conclusiones: Predominaron el sexo masculino, las convulsiones y la epilepsia focal. La resonancia magnética fue más útil que la tomografía computarizada. La mayoría de las etiologías se desconocían; sin embargo, la esclerosis temporal mesial y la neurocisticercosis fueron las causas conocidas más prevalentes. La mayoría de los pacientes se controlaron con un régimen de monoterapia. La implementación de las clasificaciones y definiciones de la Liga Internacional contra la Epilepsia fue factible y útil.(AU)

Objective: This study aimed to fill the current knowledge gap in the literature by identifying the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with epilepsy attending primary health care (PHC). Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving adults (≥ 18 years of age) with epilepsy attending PHC from a developing country between 2015 and 2019. Demographic information and epilepsy-related data were collected. Results: A total of 140 patients (51.4% male; mean [± SD] age 44.9 ± 17.8 years) were evaluated. The mean age at onset of seizures was 29.9 ± 22.9 years, with a mean evolution of 14.3±15.4 years. Focal seizures accounted for 88.57% of cases and evolved into bilateral tonic-clonic attack (45.16%). Of those that were generalized, motor seizures accounted for 81.82%, absence 9.09%, and motor + absence 9.09%. Among generalized onset motor seizures, tonic-clonic was predominant, accounting for 55.56%. Among types, focal epilepsy predominated (88.57%). The primary etiologies were unknown (62.14%), structural causes (27.85%) and infectious (9.28%). Patients undergoing monotherapy accounted for 66.1%, with epilepsy control in 92.4%. The most commonly used antiepileptic drugs were carbamazepine (33.1%), valproic acid (28.2%), and phenobarbital (10.4%). Conclusions: Male sex, seizures, and focal epilepsy were prevalent. Magnetic resonance imaging was more useful than computed tomography. Most etiologies were unknown; however, mesial temporal sclerosis and neurocysticercosis were the most prevalent known causes. Most patients were controlled using a monotherapy regimen. The implementation of International League Against Epilepsy classifications and definitions was feasible and useful.(AU)

Propuesta de una escala predictiva de deterioro cognitivo en pacientes adultos con neurocisticercosis / Proposal for a predictive scale of cognitive impairment in adult patients with neurocysticercosis

RESUMEN Fundamento La afectación cognitiva en pacientes con neurocisticercosis es frecuente, por lo tanto, resulta de gran utilidad contar con instrumentos pronósticos para establecer un mejor manejo de esta. Objetivo proponer una escala predictiva de deterioro cognitivo en pacientes adultos con neurocisticercosis. Métodos estudio con diseño correlacional, prospectivo y transversal, que incluyó 93 pacientes con neurocisticercosis. A través de datos aportados por investigaciones previas, se seleccionaron las variables, las cuales se relacionaron con la aparición de deterioro cognitivo en el análisis bivariado (p<0,05). Como técnica de análisis multivariado, se realizó un escalamiento multidimensional (PROXSCAL) (s-stress < 0,001 y coeficiente de congruencia de Tucker > 0,999). Se determinó el rendimiento pronóstico de cada uno de las variables, mediante la sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos positivo y negativo, con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95 %. Resultados se elaboró una escala con formato dicotómico, que incluyó 7 factores (4 clínicos y 3 tomográficos), con los que se obtuvo una puntuación de 0 a 7 puntos para la predicción de deterioro cognitivo en pacientes adultos con neurocisticercosis, con una probabilidad de: 0-1 punto: 75,3 %; 2-3 puntos: 95 %; ≥ 4 puntos: 96 %. Conclusión El instrumento propuesto presenta una precisión pronóstica aceptable; es sencillo, reproducible y necesita poco tiempo para su aplicación. A pesar de sus limitaciones, pudiera mejorar la calidad de la atención de los pacientes con neurocisticercosis, pues permite orientar el manejo de esta condición.

ABSTRACT Background Cognitive impairment in patients with neurocysticercosis is frequent, therefore, it is very useful to have prognostic instruments to establish a better management of it. Objective to propose a predictive scale of cognitive impairment in adult patients with neurocysticercosis. Methods study with a correlational, prospective and cross-sectional design, which included 93 patients with neurocysticercosis. Through data provided by previous research, the variables were selected, which were related to the appearance of cognitive impairment in the bivariate analysis (p<0.05). As a multivariate analysis technique, a multidimensional scaling (PROXSCAL) was performed (s-stress < 0.001 and Tucker's congruence coefficient > 0.999). The prognostic performance of each of the variables was determined by means of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, with their respective 9 5% confidence intervals. Results a scale with a dichotomous format was developed, which included 7 factors (4 clinical and 3 tomographic), with which a score of 0 to 7 points was obtained for the prediction of cognitive impairment in adult patients with neurocysticercosis, with a probability of: 0-1 point: 75.3 %; 2-3 points: 95 %; ≥ 4 points: 96 %. Conclusion The proposed instrument has an acceptable prognostic accuracy; it is simple, reproducible and requires little time for its application. Despite its limitations, it could improve the quality of care for patients with neurocysticercosis, since it allows guiding the management of this condition.

Apuntes actualizados sobre la neurocisticercosis

Introducción: La neurocisticercosis es una infección parasitaria prevenible, producida por los quistes larvarios de la Taenia solium (solitaria), que pueden infectar cualquier parte del cuerpo, en este caso, el cerebro, siendo la forma más grave de la enfermedad y en ocasiones puede ocasionar convulsiones e incluso llegar a ser mortal. Objetivo: Sistematizar la información acerca de esta patología. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica actualizada en bases de datos como PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library y ClinicalKey, así como en revistas de alto impacto en SciELO, Scopus, complementada la información con revisiones sistemáticas, estudios clínicos aleatorizados y enfoques de metaanálisis, en los cuales se indagaron palabras claves para facilitar la búsqueda como: "Neurocisticercosis", "Fisiopatología", "etiología", "manifestaciones clínicas", "prevalencia", "morbimortalidad", "diagnostico", "tratamiento". Desarrollo: La investigación permitió reconocer el arduo trabajo que se precisa en el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, debido a la dificultad que requiere su tipificación Se destacó la importancia de los estudios de neuroimagen como herramientas para calificar la gravedad de la neurocisticercosis y, de esta manera, escoger el tratamiento adecuado. Se desarrollaron acápites de: epidemiología, etiopatogenia, ciclo de vida, manifestaciones clínicas, clasificación, estadio evolutivo de las lesiones, diagnóstico, criterios diagnósticos, y tratamiento. Conclusiones: Ecuador es considerado como un país endémico para la Taenia solium. Implementar la prevención debe ser un pilar fundamental del ministerio de salud debido a la persistencia de los factores de riesgo para la infección de este parásito y el conjunto de aspectos asociados a la precaria calidad de vida en muchos sitios del país.

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis is a preventable parasitic infection caused by larval cysts of Taenia solium (tapeworm), which can infect any part of the body, including the brain and is the most severe form of the disease, sometimes lead to seizures and even be fatal. Objective: To synthesize information concerning this pathology. Method: An updated bibliographic search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ClinicalKey, as well as in high impact journals like SciELO, and Scopus. The information gathered was complemented with the use of systematic reviews, randomized clinical studies and meta-analysis approaches, in which to facilitate the search process various key words were used: "neurocysticercosis", "pathophysiology", "etiology", "clinical manifestations", "prevalence", "morbimortality", "diagnosis", and "treatment". Development: The research allowed the researchers to recognize the arduous work required for the diagnosis of this disease, assuming as well how difficult is to typify it. The importance of neuroimaging studies as tools to qualify the severity of neurocysticercosis and, thus, to choose the appropriate treatment was highlighted. The following sections were developed: epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, life cycle, clinical manifestations, classification, and evolution of lesions, diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment. Conclusions: Ecuador is considered an endemic country for Taeniasolium. The implementation of preventive actions should be regarded as a fundamental task of the Ministry of Health due to the permanent surrounding risk factors, which have an influence for getting infection and the set of aspects associated with the precarious quality of life in many parts of the country.

Introdução: A neurocisticercose é uma infecção parasitária evitável, produzida pelos cistos larvais da Taenia solium (tênia solium), que pode infectar qualquer parte do corpo, neste caso, o cérebro, sendo a forma mais grave da doença, podendo por vezes causar convulsões e podem até ser fatais. Objetivo: Sistematizar as informações sobre esta patologia. Método: Foi realizada busca bibliográfica atualizada em bases de dados como PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library e ClinicalKey, bem como em revistas de alto impacto no SciELO, Scopus, complementando as informações com revisões sistemáticas, análises clínicas estudos randomizados e abordagens de meta-análise, em que foram investigadas palavras-chave para facilitar a busca como: "Neurocisticercose", "Fisiopatologia", "etiologia", "manifestações clínicas", "prevalência", "morbidade e mortalidade", "diagnóstico" , "tratamento". Desenvolvimento: A pesquisa permitiu reconhecer o árduo trabalho que é exigido no diagnóstico desta doença, pela dificuldade que a sua tipificação exige, destacou-se a importância dos estudos de neuroimagem como ferramentas para qualificar a gravidade da neurocisticercose e, neste maneira, escolher o tratamento adequado. Foram desenvolvidas seções sobre: epidemiologia, etiopatogenia, ciclo de vida, manifestações clínicas, classificação, estágio evolutivo das lesões, diagnóstico, critérios diagnósticos e tratamento. Conclusões: O Equador é considerado um país endêmico para Taenia solium. A implementação da prevenção deve ser um pilar fundamental do Ministério da Saúde devido à persistência de fatores de risco para infecção por este parasita e ao conjunto de aspectos associados à precária qualidade de vida em muitas partes do país.

Neurocisticercosis masiva. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Massive Neurocysticercosis. A Case Report and Literature Review

RESUMEN La neurocisticercosis es una infección del sistema nervioso central provocada por la ingestión accidental de huevos de Taenia Solium, constituyendo la parasitosis más frecuente del propio sistema. Es un problema común en muchos países latinoamericanos, asiáticos y africanos; en áreas endémicas, es considerada la principal etiología de las epilepsias de inicio tardío. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 39 años de edad, de sexo masculino, con historia de alteraciones del comportamiento y varias crisis convulsivas desde hacía un año atrás. Por este motivo fue trasladado al Hospital Militar Principal de Luanda e ingresado en el Servicio de Psiquiatría con diagnóstico presuntivo de neurosis histérica. Al mes de su egreso fue remitido nuevamente esta vez en el Servicio de Neurología del propio hospital. Se le realizó examen físico, se le indicaron complementarios y se le realizó rayos X de tórax y tomografía que mostraron imágenes sugestivas de neurocisticercosis activa. Se le indicó tratamiento farmacológico y fisioterapia. Lugo de ochenta días el paciente fue egresado, consciente, orientado, asintomático. El objetivo de la presentación es llamar la atención a especialistas que cumplen colaboración en diferentes partes del mundo al ser una enfermedad extremadamente rara en Cuba y a la que se deben enfrentar con cierta frecuencia en otras latitudes.

ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the central nervous system caused by the accidental ingestion of eggs of Taenia Solium, constituting the most frequent parasitosis of the system itself. It is a common problem in many Latin American, Asian and African countries; in endemic areas, it is considered the main etiology of late-onset epilepsies. The case of a 39-year-old male patient with a history of behavioral disorders and several seizures for a year is presented. For this reason he was transferred to the Main Military Hospital of Luanda and admitted to the Psychiatry Service with a presumptive diagnosis of hysterical neurosis. A month after his discharge, he was referred again this time to the Neurology Service of the hospital itself. A physical examination was performed, supplementary tests were indicated, and a chest X-ray and tomography were performed, which showed images suggestive of active neurocysticercosis. Pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy were indicated. After eighty days, the patient was discharged, conscious, oriented, and asymptomatic. The objective of the presentation is to draw the attention of specialists who collaborate in different parts of the world as it is an extremely rare disease in Cuba and which they must face with certain frequency in other latitudes.

Neurocisticercosis: lesión única cerebral con serología negativa y confirmación post exéresis. Reporte de caso. / Neurocysticercosis: single brain lesion with negative serology and post exeresis confirmation. Case report

Los diagnósticos diferenciales de una lesión única intraparenquimatosa cerebral con borde en anillo son múltiples, desde un proceso infeccioso parasitario hasta una neoplasia primaria del sistema nervioso, por lo que su manejo puede ser controversial y debe tenerse en cuenta la prevalencia epidemiológica según la situación demográfica donde se presente. De esta manera, presentamos el caso de una paciente adulta joven que ingresó al servicio de neurocirugía con sintomatología focal sensitiva asociado a cefalea intermitente, con una TC de encéfalo que reveló una lesión subcortical localizada en la parte superior del giro postcentral izquierdo con edema perilesional importante y realce periférico tras contraste. Se realizaron pruebas de serología en suero y LCR para neuroparásitos, las cuales se reportaron negativas. Se procedió a realizar exéresis completa de la lesión con uso de ecografía intraoperatoria para minimizar tiempo quirúrgico y área de lesión cortical, la cual se envió a estudio de histopatología y reportó el diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en estadio nodular granulomatoso. Se realiza el presente reporte de caso con una búsqueda exhaustiva en la literatura sobre la sensibilidad y utilidad de las pruebas de serología parasitaria para la confirmación diagnóstica de la neurocisticercosis y para evitar intervenciones neuroquirúrgicas invasivas

The differential diagnoses of single, ring-enhancing brain lesions are multiple, from a parasitic infection to a primary tumor of the central nervous system, therefore, the management of these lesions can be controversial, and the epidemiological prevalence must be taken into account according the demographic situation of the patient. We present the case of a young adult female who was admitted to the neurosurgery service, debuting sensory focal symptoms associated with headache. Brain CT and MRI revealed a subcortical cyst-like lesion in the left superior postcentral gyrus, with large perilesional edema and peripheral enhancement following contrast administration. Serological test for CNS parasites in serum and CSF were negative. Consequently, we realized a complete removal of the cyst with intraoperative ultrasound to optimize the surgical time and the cortical surgical area. The histopathological examination revealed a degenerating cysticercus. For this reason, a bibliographic research was carried out to identify the sensitivity of serological tests for the diagnostic confirmation of neurocysticercosis and thus avoid invasive neurosurgical interventions

Uso de la imagen radiológica y serología por Western Blot para el diagnóstico de la neurocisticercosis en un hospital del norte del Perú / Use of radiological imaging and serology by Western Blot for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in a hospital in northern Peru

Introducción: La neurocisticercosis (NCC) es una zoonosis parasitaria del sistema nervioso central causada por el céstodo Taenia solium, y que afecta a países en desarrollo y con escaso saneamiento básico. Objetivo: Describir el uso y la concordancia de la imagen radiológica por tomografía (TAC) o resonancia magnética (RM) y serología por western Blot (WB) en el diagnóstico de la NCC en un hospital del norte del Perú. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. La historia clínica fue la unidad de análisis. Los casos se buscaron en la oficina de Epidemiología mediante el CIE-10- B69 y registro del Laboratorio de Parasitología, Metaxénicas y Zoonosis del mismo hospital, en el periodo del año 2015 al 2017. Resultados: Se estudiaron 67 historias clínicas, que cumplían con los criterios diagnósticos absolutos de NCC. Los pacientes fueron varones en el 55,2 % y tuvieron una media de edad de 40,2 (±17,8) años. El 35,9% tuvieron un resultado positivo por WB (19/39), las lesiones quísticas con escólex fueron observada en el 25,4% de las TAC y en el 29,6 de las RM. La concordancia observada entre la prueba serológica con TAC y RM fue escasa, siendo (Kappa=0,073, IC95%: 0,053 ­ 1,084) y (Kappa=0,112, IC95%: 0,092 ­ 1,092) y un porcentaje de acuerdo de 42,0% y 45,7% respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se observó uso diferenciado y escasa concordancia entre la prueba serológica por WB e imagen radiológica en pacientes con diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en la población estudiada.

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic zoonosis of the central nervous system caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium, which affects developing countries with poor basic sanitation. Objective: To describe the use and concordance of radiological tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and western blot (WB) serology in the diagnosis of NCC in a hospital in northern Peru. Material and Methods: Retrospective observational study. The medical history was the unit of analysis. The cases were searched in the Epidemiology office using the ICD-10-B69 and registry of the Laboratory of Parasitology, Metaxenics and Zoonoses of the same hospital, in the period from 2015 to 2017. Results: 67 medicales records were studied, which complied with the absolute diagnostic criteria for NCC. The patients were men in 55.2% and had a mean age of 40.2 (± 17.8) years. 35.9% had a positive result by WB (19/39), cystic lesions with scolex were observed in 25.4% of the CTand in 29.6 of the MRI. The concordance observed between the serological test with CTand MRI was poor, with (Kappa = 0.073, 95% CI: 0.053 - 1.084) and (Kappa = 0.112, 95% CI: 0.092 - 1.092) and a percentage of agreement of 42.0% and 45.7% respectively. Conclusions: Differentiated use and poor concordance between the WB serological test and radiological imaging are performed in patients with a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in the studied population.