Clinical profile of cerebral schistosomiasis patients in the philippine general hospital: A retrospective study

Abstract

Objective. To describe the clinical profile of cerebral schistosomiasis patients seen in the Philippine General Hospital from 2001 to 2011. Method. This is a retrospective study of thirty-two cases with a diagnosis of cerebral schistosomiasis. Records were reviewed for demographic data, comorbid conditions, presenting symptoms and signs, imaging findings, treatment and outcome. Information was summarized in a data collection sheet and descriptive analysis was done. Results and Conclusion. Thirty-two patients treated for cerebral schistosomiasis were predominantly adult males from endemic provinces who presented with seizures and headache, with or without vomiting. Common neurologic findings were long tract signs, cranial nerve palsies and papilledema. Typical imaging findings were multiple nodules seen usually in the parietal lobe, with concomitant perilesional edema. Three-fourths of the patients showed clinical improvement with praziquantel on follow up.