Neurocysticercosis in Europe

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) has become a rare disease in Western Europe. The prevalence for The Netherlands is about 5 per year (population 15 million,), all being imported cases. Autochthonous cases of NCC are still found in Spain and Portugal and have been encountered until recently in France, Germany, Italy and several countries from Eastern Europe. Seizures are the most common clinical presentation of NCC. The key diagnostic tool is CT or MRI-imaging of the brain. More specific serological tests to facilitate the discrimination between NCC and focal lesions in the brain that occur more frequently in areas of low endemicity for NCC such as W-Europe are needed. There is a debate about the safety and usefulness of anticysticercal therapy, For a disease that is seen as infrequently as NCC it is important to co-ordinate the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. In order to promote a uniform diagnosis and treatment for the various forms of NCC it is desirable to declare NCC an internationally reportable disease. Patients may benefit from a uniform therapeutic approach.