Meningomyeloradiculopathy in schistosomiasis mansoni. Clinical and cerebrospinal fluid evaluation in 16 cases

Abstract

Data on 16 patients with spinal cord involvement by Schistosomiasis mansoni are evaluated as to the clinical course and the evolution of cerebrospinal fluid changes. According to evidences of radicular involvement cases were divided in two groups: myelitis (9 cases) and radiculomyelitis (7 cases). Cerebrospinal fluid changes were evaluated as to cytology, total protein content and gammaglobulins. Partial remission of clinical symptomatology was more common among patients of the second group than among those of the first group. There was not relationship of CSF changes and their course with the clinical course of the disease. Cerebrospinal fluid changes and their course were not related to clinical aspects of the disease and their course. Remission of hypercytosis was more common than the remission of protein changes along the evolution in the two groups of cases considered.