[Visceral larva migrans: a mixed form of presentation in an adult. The clinical and laboratory aspects]. / Larva migrans visceral: forma mista de apresentação em adulto. Aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais.

ABSTRACT

We relate a case of an 18-year-old man, resident of Xapuri (state of Acre, Brazil), with a history of repeated episodes of meningoencephalitis (three in one year), each one was examined by a local doctor. In our service (Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectology) we observed a patient with polyjoint aches, radiological and bronchoscopic pulmonary alterations (without clinical features), meningeal and brain stem manifestations--with normal brain computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid. Blood eosinophils and serological Toxocara canis test (ELISA) were greatly increased. With the hypothesis of Toxocariasis (visceral larva migrans) we administered thiabendazole that brought complete clinical and laboratory remission. Inspite of a new episode of headache with meningeal manifestation approximately one month later (treated with dexamethasone resulting in a full remission after three days) we have not found other manifestations in approximately three and a half years of ambulatory care.