Cerebral neuroschistosomiasis: a rare clinical presentation and review of the literature

Abstract

The symptomatic presentation of cerebral schistosomiasis is uncommon. The case of a 25-year-old woman from Equatorial Guinea with headache and seizures secondary to cerebral neuroschistosomiasis, as confirmed by histopathological examination and microbiological study, is presented. A review of the literature on this subject is also provided.

Cerebral Neuroschistosomiasis Presenting as a Brain Mass

“…Diagnosing neuroschistosomiasis can be challenging as it requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Brain MRI is the gold standard study to diagnose CNS involvement, and the characteristic findings of neuroschistosomiasis on MRI are single or multiple hyperintense lesions with punctate enhancement surrounded by edema with significant mass effect [ 9 , 10 ]. According to a 2013 study by Floriano et al, the differential diagnosis of infectious brain lesions that may mimic brain neoplasms includes tuberculosis, cysticercosis, pyogenic abscesses, toxoplasmosis, fungal infections, and syphilis.…”

A Case of Neuroschistosomiasis Presenting as Transverse Myelitis: The Importance of History Taking

“…A high index of clinical suspicion based on epidemiological stratification is required to make the diagnosis of neuroschistosomiasis. MRI is the imaging modality of choice to diagnose central nervous system (CNS) involvement and it can detect changes consistent with acute myelitis and spinal cord compression secondary to granuloma [ 7 , 8 ]. A definite diagnosis is made by tissue biopsy.…”

Cerebral schistosomiasis: Case series from Qatar

“…A high index of clinical suspicion is crucial, particularly in patients coming from countries endemic for schistosomiasis (Nascimento-Carvalho and Moreno-Carvalho, 2005). Serology is not recommended due to the high percentage of false-positive results (Llenas-García et al, 2009). For instance, positive serology remains years after infection, and cross-reactions can happen especially with other helminths (Mutapi et al, 2017;Olveda et al, 2014).…”