All of the following are true of Neurocvsticercosis EXCEPT
Albendazole is the drug of choice
More common in vegetarians
Produces intracerebral calcification
Man is the definitive host
(B) More common in vegetarians # Neurocysticercosis is caused by infection with the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, and undergoes specific clinical and imaging changes at it progresses through four stages of infection.1. Vesicular - viable parasite with intact membrane and therefore no host reaction. Cyst is CSF density / intensity, and a hyperintense scolex on T1WI can sometimes be seen. No enhancement is typical, although very faint enhancement of the wall and enhancement of the scolex may be seen.2. Colloidal vesicular- parasite dies and the cyst fluid becomes turbid (hyperdense and hyper- intense on T1WI). As the membrane becomes leaky oedema surrounds the cyst and the wall becomes thickened and brightly enhances - scolex can often still be seen as an eccentric focus of enhancement.3. Granular nodal - Oedema decreases as the cyst retracts further. Enhancement persists.4. Nodular calcified - end stage quiescent calcified cyst remnant. No oedema.# Cysticercus is the larval form of the cestode, Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).> Humans acquire infection that lead to intestinal tapeworms by ingesting under cooked pork containing cysticerci.> Cysticerci in the brain parenchyma cause rice-grain calcifications.> Humans are the only definitive hosts for Taenia solium, pigs are the usual intermediate hosts.> Albendazole or praziquantel may be used in neurocysticercosis.
Miscellaneous