Viola et al reported the types of cerebrovascular complications associated with neurocysticercosis. Although less common than epilepsy, increased hypertensin and meningitis, cerebrovascular complications can have serious consequences. The authors are from Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Cerebrovascular Event
Precipitating Cause
ischemic stroke
vasculitis and/or thrombosis
subarachnoid hemorrhage
aneurysmal or nonaneurysmal
where:
• Aneurysms of a cerebrovascular artery may or may not be caused by the neurocysticercosis; however, neurocysticercosis may increase the risk of rupture.
When to consider the possibility of neurocysticercosis in a patient presenting with a cerebrovascular event:
(1) young person without classic cardiovascular risk factors
(2) history of living or visiting a region where cysticercosis is endemic
(3) intracranial lesions consistent with cysticerci seen on imaging studies
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