Pseudotumoral form of neuroschistosomiasis: report of three cases

Abstract

Central nervous system (CSN) involvement in schistosomiasis is an ectopic manifestation with a large variety of clinical forms, including pseudotumoral, which occurs in isolated cases and is rare. Three patients with epidemiological indications of this pathology were examined; the clinical picture included lower-back pain irradiating to lower limbs, associated with progressive flaccid paraparesis and sphincterial disturbances in cases in which the spinal chord was involved; while in cases with encephalitic impairment, headache, dizziness and cerebellar syndrome, characterized by dysarthria and right-side dysgraphia, were present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a growing process in all cases; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics and biological markers were compatible with neuroschistosomiasis (NS). Biopsy of the lesions confirmed this diagnosis in one case. After specific treatment with schistosomicides and corticosteroids, clinical, radiological and laboratorial improvement was observed.

Spectrum of Imaging Findings in Oriental Cerebral Schistosomiasis and Their Categorization by MRI

“…7,8 These findings though are seen in majority of cases are not the exclusive characteristics of cerebral schistosomiasis. 9 To our knowledge, not any study in the English literature has attempted to classify the MR findings at different stages of infection. It has been seen that the treatment modalities differ in the varying stages of infection and a radiological recognition is all but pivotal.…”