Schistosoma mansoni myeloradiculopathy in an 8-year-old Omani boy

Abstract

An 8-year-old Omani boy presented with progressive ascending weakness of the lower limbs with bowel and bladder incontinence. A diagnosis of myeloradiculopathy was made on neurologic examination. Eosinophilia in the peripheral blood count and suspected endemicity in his region of residence raised the diagnostic possibility of neuroschistosomiasis. Cerebrospinal fluid findings, high schistosoma antibody titre, magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, and detection of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the stool confirmed the diagnosis. The boy recovered significantly after receiving praziquantel and methylprednisolone. Neurological symptoms at presentation could be due to parasitic infection and should be considered in an endemic region. Eosinophilia in the peripheral blood count may be the first indicator.