Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Neuro, CNS, Musculoskeletal soft tissue, Conventional radiography, MR, Ultrasound, Diagnostic procedure, Infection, Retrospective, Diagnostic or prognostic study, Performed at one institution
Authors:
M. B. JADHAV1, V. Lokhande 2, P. S. JHA2, V. GAVHANE1, S. JAIN1, G. VERMA2; 1DURG/IN, 2Durg /IN
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2020/C-10630
Background
Cysticercosis, an infection caused by the larval form of Taenia solium is zoonotic disease which can affect various organs, including the brain, muscle, spinal cord, orbit, subcutaneous tissue, and heart.3 It is the most common helminthic disease of the nervous system in humans.
Cysticercosis is considered by the World Health Organization to be the most common preventable cause of epilepsy in the developing world, with an estimated 2 million people having epilepsy caused by T. solium infection.4
This disease was endemic in many developing countries but now seen worldwide as the population is migrating around the world.5
Although pigs are the main intermediate hosts of the T. solium, humans can also be infested by the larval stage of this tapeworm through the so called fecal-oral transmission, either via drinking of contaminated water or by eating uncooked /undercooked vegetables or pork. The clinical manifestations vary, depending on the site of larval encystment.
MRI is considered the most accurate technique to establish the diagnosis; however, CT is more sensitive for detection of calcification.