Giant neurocysticercosis cyst in the cerebellar hemisphere: Case report

Abstract

A 67-year-old man presented with dizziness, nausea, and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large (5.5 x 4 x 4 cm) cystic lesion in the left cerebellar hemisphere with internal septation, a mural nodule, and thin rim enhancement. Cystic cerebellar tumor such as hemangioblastoma was initially suspected. Following surgery, the cyst was identified as cerebellar neurocysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system but is occasionally misdiagnosed as tumor because of the varying neuroimaging presentation. This case shows that neurocysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of giant cystic lesions in the cerebellum as surgical intervention may be unnecessary.