Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic disease that affects the central nervous system. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between neuronal death evaluated by the quantification of Fas apoptotic factor and the different evolutive forms of neurocysticercosis accompanied or not by epileptic seizures. METHODS: Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 36 patients with a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis divided into the following groups: active cystic form (n=15), 9 patients with and 6 without seizures, and calcified form (=21), 9 with and 12 without seizures. Fourteen patients comprised the control group. Fas protein concentrations were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Only the group of patients with calcified cysts without seizures presented cerebrospinal fluid levels of Fas similar to those of the control group. Higher levels were observed for the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present finding suggests high cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble Fas protein, except for patients with calcified cysts without seizures. Significant differences were observed for the group with calcified cysts and seizures, suggesting greater neuronal damage in these patients. Replacement of the term inactive cyst with reactive inactive cyst is suggested.

Background : Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic disease that affects the central nervous system. Its main clinical manifestations are epileptic seizures. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between neurotransmitter concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the different evolutive forms of neurocysticercosis with or without seizures. Methods : Neurotransmitter concentrations (Aspartate, Glutamate, GABA, Glutamine, Glycine, Taurine) were determined in CSF samples from 42 patients with neurocysticercosis divided into patients with the active cystic form (n = 24, 12 with and 12 without seizures) and patients with calcified form (n = 18, 12 with and 6 without seizures), and a control group consisting of 59 healthy subjects. Results : Alterations in amino acid concentration were observed in all patients with neurocysticercosis.Conclusion : We conclude that disturbances in amino acid metabolism accompany the presentation of neurocysticercosis. Replacement of the terms inactive cyst by reactive inactive cyst and calcification by reactive calcification is suggested.

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease that affects the central nervous system. Its main clinical manifestation is seizures. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NCC in epileptic patients seen in the Emergency Department of the Municipality of Piedade, Sao Paulo.

Os autores relatam um caso de neurocisticercose do 4º ventrículo, em paciente de 26 anos, com queixas de tonturas e vômitos. Foi feita abordagem cirúrgica com uma craniectomia suboccipital e retirada total do cisto. Os aspectos clínicos, radiológicos (tomografia computadorizada, ressonância magnética), anatomopatológicos e os resultados obtidos são discutidos, especialmente à revisão da literatura, visto tratar-se de caso com características pouco comuns.

Os autores revelam um caso de neurocisticercose em paciente de 40 anos, com queixa de tonturas, vômitos e cefaléia. Foi feita abordagem cirúrgica através de craniotomia temporal esquerda, para acesso ao corno temporal do ventrículo lateral, com retirada de inúmeros cistos. Os aspectos clínicos, radiológicos e na ressonância magnética, bem como os resultados obtidos após o tratamento, são relatados. A revisão da literatura pertinente ao assunto mostrou tratar-se de caso com características incomuns.

Background: Neurocysticercosis is a globally occurring parasitosis that affects the central nervous system. The main clinical manifestation is seizures.The aim of this study was to analyze the geographic distribution of patients with seizures attending the Emergency Unit of the Piedade municipality, SP, with a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, and to compare the association of its prevalence with age, basic sanitation and food hygiene habits between rural and urban areas. Methods: One hundred thirty-six patients with seizures were evaluated. The Epidemiological data of all subjects will be described. Results: The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was confirmed in 24 patients, corresponding to a prevalence of 17.65%. The presence of an open sewer predominated in the rural area, while the consumption of unwashed fruits, presence of elderly people and geographic distribution were similar in the two areas. Conclusions: Urgent measures to raise awareness about the disease and preventive actions should be taken by world authorities.

Os autores relatam sua experiência com o método de ultra-sonografia transoperatória para retirada de processo expansivo intracerebral em dois pacientes com neoplasia, dois pacientes com neurocisticercose intraventricular e dois pacientes com coleção sanguínea intraparenquimatosa, com seus respectivos resultados. O método demonstrou ser mais seguro, mais rápido, de maior precisão e com melhores resultados em relação a métodos que não utilizam a ultra-sonografia.

Neurocysticercosis is a worldwide disease that is extensively neglected. Its real gravity is not disclosed to people. Knowledge for the population in all countries must be done urgently.