Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is prevalent in developing countries and manifests with several neurological signs and symptoms that may be fatal. The cysts may be parenchymal or extraparenchymal and therefore several signs and symptoms may occur. Depending on their location, neurosurgical procedures may be required, sometimes as emergencies. The aim here was to review 10-year statistics on all surgical neurocysticercosis cases at a large public tertiary-level hospital. Retrospective cohort at a large public tertiary-level hospital. All surgical neurocysticercosis cases seen between July 2006 and July 2016 were reviewed. Parenchymal and extraparenchymal forms were considered, along with every type of surgical procedure (shunt, endoscopic third ventriculostomy and craniotomy). The literature was reviewed through PubMed, using the terms "neurocysticercosis", "surgery", "shunt" and "hydrocephalus". 37 patients underwent neurosurgical procedures during the study period. Most were male (62.16%) and extraparenchymal cases predominated (81%). Patients aged 41 to 50 years were most affected (35.13%) and those 20 years or under were unaffected. Ventricular forms were most frequently associated with hydrocephalus and required permanent shunts in most cases (56.57%). The treatment of neurocysticercosis depends on the impairment: the parenchymal type usually does not require surgery, which is more common in the extraparenchymal form. Hydrocephalus is a frequent complication because the cysts often obstruct the cerebrospinal flow. The cysts should be removed whenever possible, to avoid the need for permanent shunts.
Highlights
Neurocysticercosis is caused by central nervous system (CNS) infection due to Taenia solium larvae.[1]
Sanitary conditions have a close relationship with neurocysticercosis, and combating this disease is a priority for the World Health Organization (WHO).[2]
A database was constructed to analyze all neurosurgical cases of neurocysticercosis that were seen at a large tertiary-level hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, over the past ten years (July 2006 to July 2016)
Summary
Neurocysticercosis is caused by central nervous system (CNS) infection due to Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) larvae.[1]. The most frequent location is in the cerebral hemispheres,[1,4] where lesions are initially surrounded by edema and subsequently calcify but remain as epileptic foci. The incidence of this disease is greater in developing countries, some large studies have shown increasing incidence in developed countries such as the United States,[5] and it is very variable around of the world. Cysticerci in the CNS can cause several neurological manifestations, depending on the cyst location and stage and the numbers of cysts.[4] The clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis have been well known since the late 1800s and early 1900s.7 Cysticerci in the CNS can cause several neurological manifestations, depending on the cyst location and stage and the numbers of cysts.[4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
