Encephalic Schistosoma japonicum resembles brainstem neoplasm: Case report and literature review

Autor: Kang Wu, Hong Yu Zhao, Kai Shu, Ting Lei, Liang Zeng
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: Frontiers in Neurology, Vol 13 (2022)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1664-2295
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.990998
Popis: Encephalic schistosomiasis is a rare and severe parasitic disease which manifests as granuloma formation around ectopic eggs that migrate to the brain. We present a rare case of a pseudotumoral form of Schistosoma japonicum in the brainstem that was initially misidentified as a malignant tumor. The patient presented with intermittent headaches, diplopia, and left limb weakness. Neurological examination revealed hypoesthesia of the left lower limb, limitation of right eye abduction, and decreased muscle strength of the left upper limb. The cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for antibodies against S. japonicum. After standard treatment for schistosomiasis, the patient achieved complete remission. This case highlights that encephalic schistosomiasis can occur in the brainstem and resemble a neoplasm on magnetic resonance imaging. Once diagnosed, however, complete remission is achievable by non-invasive medical treatment.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals