Isolated and silent spinal neurocysticercosis associated with pseudotumor cerebri

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2008 May-Jun;56(3):249-51. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.40372.

Abstract

Incidence of spinal neurocysticercosis (NCC) is rare. Isolated spinal NCC is still rarer. We present here a case report where a young lady presented with all the clinical features of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), where medical treatment for PTC failed and the presence of cysticercous in spinal canal was detected only on the operation table, while doing a lumbo-peritoneal shunt (LP shunt) to save her vision. Diagnosis could be confirmed only after the histopathology report was received. She did not have any direct evidence of spinal involvement, thereby eluding correct diagnosis. In English literature, we could not find any report of isolated and silent spinal NCC associated with PTC. In addition, we could not find any report of recovery of cysticercous larva through the Touhey's needle injury, although this was an incidental finding. In endemic areas, isolated spinal NCC should be suspected in patients presenting with PTC.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae*
  • Neurocysticercosis / diagnosis*
  • Neurocysticercosis / drug therapy
  • Neurocysticercosis / surgery
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnosis*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / drug therapy
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / drug therapy
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Visual Fields

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Albendazole