Isolated cysticercosis of the cauda equina

Abstract

Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system. It is an endemic condition in developing countries, but the incidence rate is increasing in developed countries as well because of rising immigration. Spinal involvement is quite rare and it is usually associated with concomitant intracranial infective lesions. We present an unusual case of a 44-year-old woman who experienced a cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed two intradural cystic lesions at L4-L5 level. Only after histological examination the diagnosis of cysticercosis was definitively determined. The entire neuraxis evaluation confirmed that it was a rare form of isolated intradural racemosus type cysticercosis of the cauda equina. Steroids and albendazole were administered and post-operative course was uneventful. In this paper we discuss clinical, pathogenic and therapeutic aspects of this infective pathology.