Albendazole and praziquantel treatment in neurocysticercosis of the fourth ventricle

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of albendazole and praziquantel administration in the treatment of neurocysticercosis of the fourth ventricle. The authors report the results obtained in 10 patients with cystic neurocysticercosis of the fourth ventricle who were treated with albendazole at a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. Because of the failure of albendazole treatment, two of the patients received an additional course of praziquantel at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. A total of 16 courses of albendazole and two courses of praziquantel were administered to the 10 patients. In seven patients (70%), there was complete disappearance of the cyst, in two others (20%) there was an important decrease in the size of the cyst, and in one (10%), no change was seen. None of the patients had complications during the follow-up period of between 6 and 26 months (average 15.7 months). The authors postulate that a regimen of albendazole is the treatment of choice for this type of neurocysticercosis, although praziquantel may also be useful.

Under seize: neurocysticercosis in an immigrant woman and review of a growing neglected disease

“…If the cysts are not accessible, there is limited evidence to guide medical treatment. Antiparasitics are generally recommended for intraventricular disease,30 with the addition of corticosteroids and aggressive ICP management if subarachnoid disease is present.…”

Endoscopic management of cysticercal cysts within the lateral and third ventricles

“…24,28,30,37 Involvement of the ventricular system is generally associated with higher rates of patient morbidity and mortality relative to the parenchymal manifestation. 1,4,11,15,26,28,31,36 In a report by Zee, et al, 38 six of 46 patients harboring intraventricular cysts died of acute hydrocephalus shortly after admission to the hospital.…”

Medical Treatment for Neurocysticercosis Characterized by Giant Subarachnoid Cysts

“…1,2 Humans are the definitive hosts for this parasite, and swine are the intermediate hosts. The adult tapeworm develops in human hosts after they ingest live cysticerci in undercooked pork.…”