Diagnostic Criteria of Del Brutto et al for Human Cysticercosis

 

Classes of criteria:

(1) absolute

(2) major

(3) minor

(4) epidemiologic

 

Absolute criteria:

(1) histologic demonstration of the parasite

(2) cystic lesions showing the scolex on CT or MRI

(3) direct visualization of subretinal parasites by fundoscopic examination

 

Major criteria:

(1) lesions highly suggestive of neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging studies

(2) positive immunologic test for detection of anticysticercal antibodies

(3) plain X-ray films showing "cigar-shaped" calcifications in thigh and calf muscles

 

Minor criteria:

(1) presence of subcutaneous nodules (without histologic confirmation)

(2) evidence of punctuate soft-tissue or intracranial calcifications on plain X-ray films

(3) clinical manifestations suggestive of neurocysticercosis

(4) disappearance of intracranial lesions after a trial with anticysticercal drugs

 

where:

• Both lipomas and epidermoid cysts are relatively common subcutaneous nodules and would need to be excluded.

 

Epidemiologic criteria:

(1) evidence of a household contact with Taenia solium infection

(2) individuals coming from or living in an area where cysticercosis is endemic

(3) history of frequent travel to an area endemic for cysticercosis

 

Absolute	Major	Minor	Epidemiologic	Diagnosis
1	0	0	0	definitive
0	2	0	0	definitive
0	1	2	1	definitive
0	1	2	0	probable
0	1	1	1	probable
0	0	3	1	probable
0	1	0	0	possible
0	0	2	0	possible
0	0	1	1	possible

 

where:

• The only findings left not indicating some level of diagnosis are a single minor criteria or a single epidemiologic criteria.