Intractable headaches secondary to a solitary lateral ventricle lesion of neurocysticercosis

Abstract

Abstract Taenia solium is a parasitic tape worm that causes neurocysticercosis (NCC), which is classically characterized by scattered, intraparenchymal brain lesions. However, in very rare cases, a solitary, lateral ventricle lesion may be all that is present, which can make diagnosis difficult. Herein, we report the case of a 34-year-old female from Western Europe who presented with 12 days of intractable headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a single, heterogeneous appearing intraventricular mass with mild enhancement located in the left lateral ventricle near the foramen of Monro. Using a minimally invasive image-guided tubular retractor system for surgical biopsy and resection, NCC was identified on histological analysis. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and her headaches improved. Although NCC is associated with exposure to raw pork and/or prior residence in an endemic location, these are not always present. This case highlights the unusual radiographic findings and benign clinical history providers may encounter with NCC.