A case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a pregnant non-immunocompromised patient

Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2009 Jul-Aug;43(4):391-5.

Abstract

Cerebral toxoplasmosis, a disease of immunocompromised individuals, is rare in immunocompetent persons. We present a case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a non-immunocompro-mised pregnant woman. Her imaging studies revealed a mass lesion involving the right basal ganglia, periventricular grey matter, midbrain and pons suggesting a neoplastic pathology along with hydrocephalus. She underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy of the lesion. Postoperatively her consciousness improved as the hydrocephalus was relieved. After a thorough gynaecological examination she gave birth to a healthy child via normal vaginal delivery. The histopathology examination of biopsy suggested an inflammatory pathology. Serological studies for toxoplasmosis were positive. After 6 weeks of anti-toxoplasma treatment follow-up imaging showed a significant decrease in the size of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Basal Ganglia / pathology*
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnosis
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mesencephalon / pathology*
  • Pons / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / pathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / surgery*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Serologic Tests
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / complications
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / pathology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral / surgery*