Neurocysticercosis: diagnosis via metagenomic next-generation sequencing

Pract Neurol. 2023 Nov 23;23(6):509-511. doi: 10.1136/pn-2023-003795.

Abstract

A 68-year-old Brazilian woman had 3 months of progressive fatigue, difficulty walking and 18 kg weight loss. On examination, there was gait apraxia and executive dysfunction. MR scan of brain showed communicating hydrocephalus and a cerebrospinal fluid showed 105 white cells/µL (≤5), predominantly lymphocytes, protein of 1.35 g/L (0.15-0.45) and the glucose content of 0.06 mmol/L (3.3-4.4). We suspected an infective cause and used of metagenomic next-generation sequencing to diagnose neurocysticercosis. This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing chronic meningitis and the relevance of genetic approaches in diagnosing neurological infections.

Keywords: APRAXIA; COGNITION; CSF; GAIT; INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus*
  • Meningitis*
  • Neurocysticercosis* / diagnosis
  • Neurocysticercosis* / genetics