Subarachnoid Cysticercosis and Ischaemic Stroke in Epileptic Patients

Abstract

Whether subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SNCC) induces ischaemic stroke (IS) in epileptic patients is not yet confirmed because only short-case series and anecdotal case reports have been published, and no observational studies exist in the literature to date. Our main goals are: to estimate the prevalence of ischaemic stroke in epileptic patients presenting with SNCC and stroke frequency among HIV-positive patients in three subgroups; to determine if the odds of ischaemic stroke are elevated in SNCCepileptic patients compared to epileptic patients with intraparenchymal NCC (INCC); to determine whether the risk for stroke is elevated in HIV-seropositive patients presenting with SNCC or INCC and epilepsy; and to evaluate if and when the potential interaction varies by location of NCC in the brain (intraparenchymal or subarachnoid). Eligible epileptic patients' seropositive status was recorded, and cross-associations for the independent variables (NCC status and HIV status) and outcome variables (ischaemic stroke event) were performed. Compared to the reference group, the odds of IS in PLWNCC were 2.0 and 2.6 times greater in patients with SNCC and INCC, respectively. The frequency of IS was greater in HIV-positive patients in all three groups, but the risk was especially pronounced when seropositive epileptic patients were both NCC groups when compared with the reference group. Subarachnoid NCC increased the risk of IS three time more.

Racemose neurocysticercosis presenting with thalamic stroke: A case report and literature review

“…Stroke as a complication of neurocysticercosis is rarely reported. It occurs in 2%-12% of cases and typically affects small perforating blood vessels [10] .…”