Neurocysticercosis: A study of clinical profile from a services hospital in India

Introduction: This study was carried out at a tertiary care services hospital in central India. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical profile, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in 26 pediatric neurocysticercosis patients over a duration of five years (from Jul 2011 To Jul 2016). Materials and Methods: Detailed history, Clinical features, Computed tomography (CT) and or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan were the basis of diagnosis of neurocysticercosis along with exclusion of other causes. Patients symptomatic with seizures and active, transitional cysts treated with anticonvulsants, steroids, and albendazole. Seven of the children required multiple courses of albendazole. Results: A total of 26 patients completed this study. Mean age of the presentation was 9.6 ± 4.9 years, 58% of the patients were female. The clinical profile of patients was as follows - partial seizures 63.3%, generalized seizures- 37.7%, headache - 67%, vomiting in 19 %, focal neurological deficit in 11% and a combination of symptoms in 70% cases. Contrast CT brain showed a solitary lesion in 18 (71.1%) and multiple lesions in the rest. To begin with CT/MRI lesions were transitional in 64%, inactive in 21% and mixed in 36%, All the children were seizure free after two years of treatment and follow up, with normal electroencephalography (EEG). During the course of follow-up CT scan brain, lesions disappeared in 69.4% of the cases and 29.6% of them got calcified, Conclusion: Neurocysticercosis was the commonest cause of seizure disorder in children in this study. The commonest CT picture at presentation was a Solitary ring enhancing lesions (transitional stage) involving the parietal lobe. Partial/focal seizure was the most common type of seizure. Albendazole is effective in single as well as multiple ring enhancing lesions of neurocysticercosis. Praziquantel alone or in combination was not tried in this study.