Racemose neurocysticercosis is a rare but serious form of central nervous system involvement by cysticerci. It is referred to as "malignant" because of the complications that can occur.
Features:
(1) grape-like cluster of interconnected cysts and/or multilocular cyst
(2) extraparenchymal, located in the ventricles, cisterna magna and/or subarachnoid space
(3) variable symptoms depending on size and mobility of the mass
The protoscolex may not be identifiable within the cyst. Molecular techniques can be used to determine the species of Taenia involved.
Complications may include:
(1) seizures
(2) hydrocephalus
(3) cranial nerve compression, including decreased hearing, vertigo and altered vision
(4) vomiting
(5) intracranial hypertension with severe headaches
(6) altered levels of consciousness
(7) disorientation
(8) sudden death
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
