Purpose or Case Report: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the result of infection of the nervous system by the larvae of Taenia solium—the pork tapeworm. It is endemic in regions of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, however, is also of concern in non-endemic regions as a result of immigration and travel to endemic regions. NCC is a major cause of seizures, however disease presentation varies based on the number, growth, and location of lesions as well as the inflammatory response of the host. In addition to seizures, other common clinical manifestations are headaches, intracranial hypertension, focal deficits, and altered mental status. Case Presentation: A 13-year old female with a history of intermittent headaches presented to the emergency department with severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and altered mental status. Upon evaluation, the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8, indicative of a severe level of brain injury. A brain MRI revealed a non-enhancing “cystic” ovoid lesion filling much of the third ventricle. A subsequent CT revealed a scolex (anterior end of the tapeworm) with obstructive hydrocephalus at the level of the third ventricle and cerebral aqueduct. NCC has 3 stages—vesicular, colloidal or granular, and calcified—each with characteristic findings on imaging. In the vesicular stage, imaging shows cysts with central hyperdensity on CT representing the scolex. In the colloidal or granular stage, imaging shows cysts with surrounding enhancement and edema, and in the calcified stage, calcifications are visible. In this case, the patient appeared to be at the end of the vesicular stage, transitioning into the colloidal or granular stage as there was evidence of a scolex on CT and a cystic lesion with interstitial edema, however it was non-enhancing. Additionally, in NCC parenchymal lesions are most common, and with antiparasitic treatment, have a generally benign prognosis. Extraparenchymal disease, which includes ventricular cysts as seen in this patient, is less common and is not benign, often resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus, also evident in this patient, and may even result in death. Based on imaging findings, the patient underwent fenestration of the cyst and biopsy, which revealed fragments of a parasitic organism. NCC can result in life-threatening consequences including hydrocephalus, herniation, and edema, so while treatment generally consists of anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic medications, surgery may be indicated in some patients.
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