Abstract
Parasitic meningoencephalitis presents several etiologies which sometimes depend on their geographical location. They require thorough blood and cerebrospinal fluid check-up for directing an efficient treatment. Clinicians and radiologists are constantly looking for specific signs that could point to a particular etiology. The meningoencephalitis caused by Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (TG) is a rare disease characterized by a slow progression, over years sometimes. Its non-specific presentation either clinically or in imaging can lead to misdiagnosis and thus, delay the treatment. However, involvement of the optic tracts seems to be characteristic of this condition, on old data from animal experimentation and recent high-field MRI data. MRI is the best current technique to explore the brain, cranial nerves, and visual pathways. In this article, we are going to present two observations of meningoencephalitis caused by HAT and then discuss some specific aspects of this neglected and re-emerging disease.
Highlights
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a specific African parasitic disease caused by two flagellated protozoans
Clinicians and radiologists are constantly looking for specific signs that could point to a particular etiology
The meningoencephalitis caused by Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (TG) is a rare disease characterized by a slow progression, over years sometimes
Summary
HAT is a specific African parasitic disease caused by two flagellated protozoans. They are transmitted to human beings through the tsetse fly bites. The conclusive diagnosis is based on the detection of the parasite in the blood or the CSF and the presence of antiparasitic antibodies in the blood. For this disease, medical imaging is non-specific and mainly shows signs of encephalitis in the meningoencephalitis stage [3]. We are going to present two observations of HAT at the meningoencephalitis stage investigated on MRI and discuss some aspects of this disease and the correlation with the histopathological data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
