Neurocysticercosis: unwinding the radiological conundrum

Abstract

Purpose: To study the distinct imaging characteristics of parenchymal neurocysticercosis (NCC) that aid in distinguish-ing it from other diseases. Material and methods: Two hundred fifty patients with NCC were selected based on identification of the scolex. T2 weight-ed, T1 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), T2 FLAIR, susceptibility weighted imaging, constructive interferencin steady state, diffusion weighted imaging, and T1 weighted contrast sequences were performed. The imaging characteristics of the cysts at various stages were analyzed. Results: This study presents previously undocumented imaging findings of NCC, establishing absolute, major, and mcriteria for its diagnosis based on magnetic resonance imaging features. Conclusions: Utilizing imaging criteria for diagnosing NCC, as per the study’s sequences, can effectively narrow dowdifferential diagnoses and lead to accurate identification.