Pseudotumoral Form of Neuroschistosomiasis: Report of Three Cases in Ganzi, China

Abstract

Abstract. The authors report three rare cases of neuroschistosomiasis lacking extracranial involvement. No parasitic eggs were detected in the stool with the Kato-Katz thick smear methods. Computed tomography of the brains showed hypodense signals, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signals on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the brain after intravenous administration of gadolinium. High-grade gliomas were suspected, and operations or radiosurgery was performed. Cerebral schistosomiasis was confirmed in all cases by biopsy of the brain lesions, revealing granulomas containing embedded Schistosoma japonicum eggs. All cases were definitively diagnosed as brain schistosomiasis japonica. Praziquantel and corticosteroids were administered, and the prognoses were good for all case patients. Although the aforementioned pattern of imaging examinations is not present in all cases of neuroschistosomiasis, a diagnosis of neuroschistosomiasis should be considered when this pattern of imaging is observed; cerebrospinal fluid serological exams are also recommended.

Case Report: Multiple Schistosomiasis Japonica Cerebral Granulomas without Gastrointestinal System Involvement: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature

“…6,7 Most schistosomiasis japonica cerebral granulomas reported in the literature have been single and located in the cerebellum, whereas multiple lesions located in the cerebral hemisphere are uncommon and often misdiagnosed as metastases or glioma. 4,[8][9][10][11] In the present study, we describe two cases of multiple schistosomiasis japonica cerebral granuloma. Combining our findings with other literature reports, we summarize the preoperative diagnosis and postoperative management of this kind of patient.…”

Cerebral schistosomiasis: MRI features with pathological correlation

“…MRI findings of cerebral schistosomiasis have been reported sporadically (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Enhanced multiple nodules of varying size are characteristic of cerebral schistosomiasis and some nodules may coalesce.…”

The diagnosis and treatment introspection of the first imported case of atypical cerebral schistosomiasis in Guangzhou city

“…When the eggs move to other parts of the body, ectopic manifestations of schistosomiasis occur. Cerebral schistosomiasis is rare and atypical among schistosomiasis cases and is caused by a host immunological response to the eggs after they cross the blood–brain barrier [ 7 ].…”