Publication:

Occurrence of neurocysticercosis in patients presenting with seizure and its serological evaluation

Background Aims and objectives was to diagnose neurocysticercosis among the patient admitted with seizure in Pediatric Department of TMMRC and to correlate the serological and radiological findings.

Methods A total of 100 patients presenting with recent onset seizures were recruited from Pediatric department of a local major tertiary care teaching hospital during the period 2016-2017. Brain imaging was performed in all the above cases. Serological assessment was done using ELISA kit. Diagnosis of neurrocysticercois was done using Del Brutto’s criteria.

Results The recruited patients presented with generalized, simple partial, and focal seizures (68%, 21% and 11% respectively). NCC was diagnosed in 37 of 100 (37.0%) seizure cases based on imaging characteristics. There were 13% cases in whom, MRI showed calcified NCC/granuloma suggestive of NCC. In 24% cases, scolex suggestive of NCC was seen. A total of 15 (15%) cases were seropositive for Taenia. Using Del Brutto criteria, a total of 23% cases were diagnosed as probable NCC and 15% as definite neurocysticercosis. A total of 62% cases were confirmed as not having neurocysticercosis.

Conclusions The findings of present study showed that neurocysticercosis still is a major diagnosis among children presenting with seizure from this endemic area. Neuroimaging was a useful tool in diagnosis and characterisation of NCC than serological tool. The study highlighted the need to create awareness regarding maintenance of hygiene and cleanliness.