Neurocysticercosis in children

Indian Pediatr. 1991 Nov;28(11):1309-17.

Abstract

Twenty seven cases (13 male, 14 female) in the age group of 3-12 years with cerebral cysticercosis were studied and followed up to 3.9 years (mean 1.85 +/- 0.91 years). Seizures (partial 76% and generalized 23.8%) was the feature in 21 patients (77.7%) and raised intracranial tension in 15 (55.5%). Five patients (18.2%) had meningoencephalitis, while 4 (14.8%) had obstructive hydrocephalus due to intraventricular cysts in the 4th ventricle. Twenty two patients received cysticidal drugs (praziquantel or albendazole), while 8 had surgical intervention (CSF diversion, cyst removal, subtemporal decompression or extirpation of the cortical cyst). Mortality was 18.2%. Survivors had epilepsy in 18 patients (81.8%), dementia in 2 (9%), mental subnormality in 6 (27.2%) and hyperkinesia in 12 (54.5%).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use
  • Brain Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases* / therapy
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cysticercosis* / complications
  • Cysticercosis* / therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / etiology
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Praziquantel
  • Albendazole