Cerebral Cysticercosis presenting as a Solitary Cyst

Abstract

The patient, a 52-year-old male, experienced a generalized convulsive seizure. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary, noncalcified cyst, 1 x 2 cm in diameter, in the left occipital lobe, without contrast enhancement. No other lesions were found in systemic soft tissues, skeletal muscles, or the eyes. A CT-guided stereotactic biopsy was performed through an occipital burr hole, and the diagnosis was cerebral cysticercosis. Although cysticercosis is still common in Mexico, Chile, and India, its occurrence has rarely been reported in Japan, especially since World War II. Intraparenchymal calcification and cystic lesions are common CT findings. However, in this case, a non-enhancing solitary cyst was the only CT finding. The authors review the literature and discuss the CT features and the usefulness of CT-guided stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of cysticercosis.