Background: Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of adult onset seizures in developing countries. In recent years, with the rise in the number of immigrants to developed countries and travelers to endemic areas, neurocysticercosis is increasingly diagnosed in non-endemic countries.
Aims of the study: The authors describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis acquired in Israel or in immigrants to Israel from endemic countries.
Methods: A retrospective national survey of patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis during 1994-2009 was conducted. Clinical and epidemiologic data were recorded. Case definition consisted of roentgenologic, serologic and pathologic features.
Results: In all, 17 cases of neurocysticercosis were diagnosed in Israel during the study period. Nine (53%) cases were diagnosed in travelers to endemic areas, and six (35%) in immigrants from endemic areas. Two cases were native Israelis who had never traveled to an endemic area. Most immigrants suffered from multiple brain lesions. Two immigrants underwent brain biopsy.
Conclusions: This is the first report of the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis acquired in Israel or diagnosed in immigrants to Israel. Neurocysticercosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of seizures, headache or neurologic deficit with single or multiple brain lesions, especially in immigrants from endemic countries. Invasive procedures may be obviated by appropriate clinical diagnosis, imaging and serology.