J Korean Neurol Assoc.  1987 Jun;5(1):64-69.

Clinical Observations on Cerebral Sparganosis

• Lee HB
• Lee KW
• Lee SB
• Myung HJ

Abstract

We have met 5 cases of cerebral sparganosis since 1984, including one which was reported by Hong et al. In 1985. We reviewed their medical records and clinical manifestations, possible etiologic histories, findings of brain CT and micro-ELISA done in all cases, and findings of brain biopsy done in 2 cases were discussed. 1. Initial manifestations were seizures (in 4 of 5) or limb weak-nesses (in 4 of 5), which were followed by symptoms and signs due to space occupying effects. 2. Raw snakes or raw frogs were ingested in 3 cases and estimated incubation periods in 2 cases were 2 and 5 years respectively. 3. Brain CT's showed widespread low density, usually in white matter area, ipsilateral ventricular dilatation and/or enhaneing nodules. 4. Micro-EILSA's showed that initial titers of sparganum-specific Ab were above criterion (0.22) except for serum of case 5, and F/U micro-ELISA'S done in 3 cases revealed negative conversion (decrease of Ab titer below criterion) only for CSF of case 5, in which surgical removal was successfully done, and otherwise variable changes of titers. 5. Brain biopsies done in 2 cases showed such findin-gs as degenerating worm, granuloma, tunnel formation, and calcospherules.

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Brain
Dilatation
Extremities
Granuloma
Medical Records
Seizures
Snakes
Sparganosis*