Isolated spinal intramedullary neurocysticercosis: Case report and review of literature

Abstract

Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system but an isolated spinal intramedullary involvement is very rare. We present one such case of a 68-year-old female who had spastic paraplegia with bladder involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed D3 intramedullary space-occupying lesion. She was treated with surgical excision and her diagnosis was confirmed to be cysticercosis by histopathological examination. With appropriate post-operative rehabilitation and medical management, she was found to have significant recovery. At final follow-up, she was walking with aid and regained her bladder control. A high index of suspicion is required in endemic zones, like India, when the MRI shows an unusual picture of space-occupying intramedullary lesions. With early diagnosis and initiation of treatment, neurocysticercosis (NCC) shows better prognosis than what was previously known.