Value of whole-body MRI for the assessment of response to albendazole in disseminated neurocysticercosis: a prospective follow-up study

Metabolic mechanism and pharmacological study of albendazole in secondary hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) model rats

Albendazole (ABZ) is the primary treatment for alveolar echinococcosis (AE); however, its limited solubility impacts oral bioavailability, affecting therapeutic outcomes. In this study, various ABZ-solubilizing formulations, including albendazole crystal dispersion system (ABZ-CSD), albendazole hydrochloride-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate composite (TABZ-HCl-H), and albendazole hydroxyethyl sulfonate-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate composite (TABZ-HES-H), were developed and evaluated. Physicochemical properties as well as liver enzyme activity were analyzed and their pharmacodynamics in an anti-secondary hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) rat model were investigated. The formulations demonstrated improved solubility, exhibiting enhanced inhibitory effects on microcysts in HAE model rats compared to albendazole tablets. However, altered hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes in HAE model rats led to increased ABZ levels and reduced ABZ-SO production, potentially elevating drug toxicity. These findings emphasize the importance of dose adjustments in patient administration, considering the impact of alveolar echinococcosis on rat hepatic drug metabolism.

Massive neurocysticercosis in a ten-year-old girl: a case report

BACKGROUND

Massive neurocysticercosis is a rare form of neurocysticercosis, and can lead to serious conditions and even death.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we present a case of ten-year-old Tibetan girl who developed headache and vomiting. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) illustrated lots of intracranial cystic lesions, and no obvious extracranial lesions were found. Serum immunoglobulin G antibodies against cysticerci were positive by the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results in combination with her medical history were in line with massive neurocysticercosis. The patients recovered well after supportive management and antiparasitic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This case provides insights on the diagnosis and treatment of massive neurocysticercosis. The treatment of patients with massive neurocysticercosis should be in an individualized fashion, and the use of antiparasitic drugs in these patients must be decided after carefully weighing the risks and benefits.