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Lakhani DA, Deng F, Lin DDM. Infectious Diseases of the Brain and Spine: Parasitic and Other Atypical Transmissible Diseases. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2024; 32:347-361. [PMID: 38555145 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Atypical infections of the brain and spine caused by parasites occur in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts, related to exposure and more prevalently in endemic regions. In the United States, the most common parasitic infections that lead to central nervous system manifestations include cysticercosis, echinococcosis, and toxoplasmosis, with toxoplasmosis being the most common opportunistic infection affecting patients with advanced HIV/AIDS. Another rare but devastating transmittable disease is prion disease, which causes rapidly progressive spongiform encephalopathies. Familiarity and understanding of various infectious agents are a crucial aspect of diagnostic neuroradiology, and recognition of unique features can aid timely diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhairya A Lakhani
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francis Deng
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Doris D M Lin
- Division of Neuroradiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Vasconcelos Miranda TA, Tsuchiya K, Lucato LT. Imaging of Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2023; 33:125-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Brizzi K, Pelden S, Tshokey T, Nirola DK, Diamond MB, Klein JP, Tshering L, Deki S, Nidup D, Bruno V, Dorny P, Garcia HH, Mateen FJ. Neurocysticercosis in Bhutan: a cross-sectional study in people with epilepsy. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2018; 110:517-526. [PMID: 27794094 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to provide an assessment of the burden of neurocysticercosis among people with epilepsy (PWE) in Bhutan and evaluate the yield of various tests for Taenia solium. METHODS PWE were enrolled at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu (2014-2015). Serum was tested for anti-Taenia solium IgG using ELISA (Ab-ELISA), enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB), and parasite antigen. Results were compared to brain MRI. Participants were categorized as definite neurocysticercosis (MRI and EITB positive), probable neurocysticercosis (MRI or EITB positive), or without neurocysticercosis. Logistic regression models were constructed to explore clinicodemographic associations. RESULTS There were 12/205 (6%, 95% CI 2%, 9%) definite and 40/205 (20%, 95% CI 14%, 25%) probable neurocysticercosis cases. 25/205 (12%) with positive EITB did not have neurocysticercosis on MRI, and 15/205 (7%) participants with positive MRI had negative EITB. Participants with neurocysticercosis-suggestive lesions on MRI had an average of 1.2 cysts (parenchymal 26/27; nodular/calcified stage 21/27). In a multivariable analysis, present age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01,1.09, p=0.025) was positively associated with (combined probable or definite) neurocysticercosis while mesial temporal sclerosis on MRI (OR 0.294, 95% CI 0.144, 0.598, p=0.001) was negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS Neurocysticercosis was associated with 6-25% of epilepsy in a Bhutanese cohort. Combining EITB and MRI would aid the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis among PWE since no test identified all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Brizzi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sonam Pelden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | - Tshokey Tshokey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | - Damber K Nirola
- Department of Psychiatry, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | | | - Joshua P Klein
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lhab Tshering
- Department of Psychiatry, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Deki
- Department of Psychiatry, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | - Dechen Nidup
- Department of Radiology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
| | | | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hector Hugo Garcia
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetan Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Farrah J Mateen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Duque KR, Burneo JG. Clinical presentation of neurocysticercosis-related epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 76:151-157. [PMID: 28882721 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system and a major risk factor for seizures and epilepsy. Seizure types in NCC vary largely across studies and seizure semiology is poorly understood. We discuss here the studies regarding seizure types and seizure semiology in NCC, and examine the clinical presentation in patients with NCC and drug-resistant epilepsy. We also provide evidence of the role of MRI and EEG in the diagnosis of NCC-related epilepsy. Focal seizures are reported in 60-90% of patients with NCC-related epilepsy, and around 90% of all seizures registered prospectively are focal not evolving to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. A great number of cases suggest that seizure semiology is topographically related to NCC lesions. Patients with hippocampal sclerosis and NCC have different clinical and neurophysiological characteristics than those with hippocampal sclerosis alone. Different MRI protocols have allowed to better differentiate NCC from other etiologies. Lesions' stages might account on the chances of finding an interictal epileptiform discharge. Studies pursuing the seizure onset in patients with NCC are lacking and they are specially needed to determine both whether the reported events of individual cases are seizures, and whether they are related to the NCC lesion or lesions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Neurocysticercosis and Epilepsy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Duque
- Center for Global Health-Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Hypnos Center for Sleep Medicine, Clínica San Felipe, Lima, Peru.
| | - Jorge G Burneo
- Epilepsy Program, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada.
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Carpio A, Romo ML, Parkhouse RME, Short B, Dua T. Parasitic diseases of the central nervous system: lessons for clinicians and policy makers. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:401-14. [PMID: 26894629 PMCID: PMC4926779 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1155454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases of the central nervous system are associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially in resource-limited settings. The burden of these diseases is amplified as survivors are often left with neurologic sequelae affecting mobility, sensory organs, and cognitive functions, as well as seizures/epilepsy. These diseases inflict suffering by causing lifelong disabilities, reducing economic productivity, and causing social stigma. The complexity of parasitic life cycles and geographic specificities, as well as overlapping clinical manifestations in the host reflecting the diverse pathogenesis of parasites, can present diagnostic challenges. We herein provide an overview of these parasitic diseases and summarize clinical aspects, diagnosis, therapeutic strategies and recent milestones, and aspects related to prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Carpio
- a Escuela de Medicina , Universidad de Cuenca , Cuenca , Ecuador.,b GH Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons , Columbia University , New York , NY , USA.,c Consultorios Sta Inés, F. Proaño y D. Cordova (esquina) , Cuenca , Ecuador
| | - Matthew L Romo
- d Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, CUNY School of Public Health, Hunter College , New York , NY , USA.,e Dirección de Investigación , Universidad de Cuenca , Cuenca , Ecuador
| | | | - Brooke Short
- g World Health Organization (WHO Geneva) , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Tarun Dua
- g World Health Organization (WHO Geneva) , Geneva , Switzerland
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Abstract
The infection of the nervous system by the cystic larvae of Taenia solium (neurocysticercosis) is a frequent cause of seizure disorders. Neurocysticercosis is endemic or presumed to be endemic in many low-income countries. The lifecycle of the worm and the clinical manifestations of neurocysticercosis are well established, and CT and MRI have substantially improved knowledge of the disease course. Improvements in immunodiagnosis have further advanced comprehension of the pathophysiology of this disease. This knowledge has led to individualised treatment approaches that account for the involvement of parenchymal or extraparenchymal spaces, the number and form of parasites, and the extent of degeneration and associated inflammation. Clinical investigations are focused on development of effective treatments and reduction of side-effects induced by treatment, such as seizures, hydrocephalus, infarcts, and neuroinjury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector H Garcia
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru; Centre for Global Health-Tumbes and Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Theodore E Nash
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espíritu Santo-Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital-Clínica Kennedy, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Garcia HH, Gonzales I, Lescano AG, Bustos JA, Zimic M, Escalante D, Saavedra H, Gavidia M, Rodriguez L, Najar E, Umeres H, Pretell EJ. Efficacy of combined antiparasitic therapy with praziquantel and albendazole for neurocysticercosis: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 14:687-695. [PMID: 24999157 PMCID: PMC4157934 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis causes a substantial burden of seizure disorders worldwide. Treatment with either praziquantel or albendazole has suboptimum efficacy. We aimed to establish whether combination of these drugs would increase cysticidal efficacy and whether complete cyst resolution results in fewer seizures. We added an increased dose albendazole group to establish a potential effect of increased albendazole concentrations. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, patients with viable intraparenchymal neurocysticercosis were randomly assigned to receive 10 days of combined albendazole (15 mg/kg per day) plus praziquantel (50 mg/kg per day), standard albendazole (15 mg/kg per day), or increased dose albendazole (22·5 mg/kg per day). Randomisation was done with a computer generated schedule balanced within four strata based on number of cysts and concomitant antiepileptic drug. Patients and investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was complete cyst resolution on 6-month MRI. Enrolment was stopped after interim analysis because of parasiticidal superiority of one treatment group. Analysis excluded patients lost to follow-up before the 6-month MRI. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00441285. FINDINGS Between March 3, 2010 and Nov 14, 2011, 124 patients were randomly assigned to study groups (41 to receive combined albendazole plus praziquantel [39 analysed], 43 standard albendazole [41 analysed], and 40 increased albendazole [38 analysed]). 25 (64%) of 39 patients in the combined treatment group had complete resolution of brain cysts compared with 15 (37%) of 41 patients in the standard albendazole group (rate ratio [RR] 1·75, 95% CI 1·10-2·79, p=0·014). 20 (53%) of 38 patients in the increased albendazole group had complete cyst resolution at 6-month MRI compared with 15 (37%) of 41 patients in the standard albendazole group (RR 1·44, 95% CI 0·87-2·38, p=0·151). No significant differences in adverse events were reported between treatment groups (18 in combined treatment group, 11 in standard albendazole group, and 19 in increased albendazole group). INTERPRETATION Combination of albendazole plus praziquantel increases the parasiticidal effect in patients with multiple brain cysticercosis cysts without increased side-effects. A more efficacious parasiticidal regime without increased treatment-associated side-effects should improve the treatment and long term prognosis of patients with neurocysticercosis. FUNDING National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector H Garcia
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru; Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Center for Global Health Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | | | - Andres G Lescano
- School of Public Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Department of Parasitology and Public Health Training Program, US Naval Medical Research Unit No 6 (NAMRU6), Callao, Peru
| | - Javier A Bustos
- Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mirko Zimic
- Bioinformatics Unit, Laboratory of Research and Development, School of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Martin Gavidia
- Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati, Essalud, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Enrique Najar
- Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Hugo Umeres
- Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Peru
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