Clinical, pathological, and CT scan findings of multiple Coenurus cerebralis cysts in a non-native lamb in Iran

Abstract

Coenurus cerebralis is the larval stage of Taenia multiceps which involves particularly the central nervous system of humans and ungulates. A six-month-old Charollais lamb was presented with cortical blindness, dullness, convulsion, head deviation, reluctancy to move, drooling of saliva and ataxia. Haematological findings revealed an inflammatory process. CSF analysis showed leukocytosis associated with increased total protein. By CT imaging, nine cysts were detected in the cerebrum and one in the cerebellum. Hounsfield units were below 10 in all these regions. CT images perfectly revealed multiple Coenurus cysts in various parts of the brain, which was confirmed by necropsy. At necropsy, cysts of variable size were noted at different anatomical sites of the brain. In the cerebrum, atrophy, liquefactive necrosis and mild demyelination were presenty adjacent to the cystic structures. Perivascular and perineuronal oedema, neuronal degeneration, hyperaemia and thrombosis were also seen in the cerebrum. The meninges revealed oedema, thrombosis, and mononuclear meningitis. Based on authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in Iran on Coenurus cysts in a lamb brain utilising CT scan