Chiari Malformation and Hydrocephalus Masking Neurocysticercosis

World Neurosurg. 2018 Jun:114:68-71. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.03.010. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Abstract

Background: Various diagnostic characteristics associated with neurocysticercosis have been well studied; however, their potential to be implicated in other differential diagnoses has not been well demonstrated.

Case description: We report the case of a 55-year-old Hispanic man who underwent a Chiari decompression surgery, which was complicated with hydrocephalus. Despite a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, he continued to have headaches and was soon found to have several skull base subarachnoid lesions, which were later diagnosed as the sequelae of an active neurocysticercosis infection.

Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of overlapping symptoms between diseases in a short temporal context.

Keywords: Chiari malformation; Hydrocephalus; Neurocysticercosis; Subarachnoid cysts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / complications
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation / surgery*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / complications
  • Hydrocephalus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocysticercosis / complications
  • Neurocysticercosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neurocysticercosis / surgery*