Cysticercosis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Cysticercosis is an [[infection]] caused by the larval stages of the [[parasite]] [[Taenia solium]], after | Cysticercosis is an [[infection]] caused by the larval stages of the [[parasite]] [[Taenia solium]], after a person ingests tapeworm eggs. Thelarvae embed in tissues such as [[muscle]] and [[brain]], forming cysticerci ([[cyst]]s). When cysticerci are found in the [[brain]], the condition is called neurocysticercosis. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Revision as of 16:59, 27 March 2017
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Cysticercosis Microchapters |
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Treatment |
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Cysticercosis overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cysticercosis overview |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Cysticercosis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the larval stages of the parasite Taenia solium, after a person ingests tapeworm eggs. Thelarvae embed in tissues such as muscle and brain, forming cysticerci (cysts). When cysticerci are found in the brain, the condition is called neurocysticercosis.
Diagnosis
CT
Computerized tomography (CT) is superior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for demonstrating small calcifications. However, MRI shows cysts in some locations (cerebral convexity, ventricular ependyma) better than CT, is more sensitive than CT to demonstrate surrounding edema, and may show internal changes indicating the death of cysticerci.
In recent years, the use of CT and MRI has permitted identification of neurocysticercosis cases with a benign course that would not have been detected previously.