Brain calcification because of neurocysticercosis: a vast field to be explored

Javier A. Bustos, Christina M. Coyle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewNeurocysticercosis is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Endemic regions include Latin American countries, sub-Saharan Africa, and large regions of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and is a global health problem. Seizures are the most common manifestation and approximately 30% of adult-onset seizures in endemic regions are attributable to NCC. Calcifications because of neurocysticercosis is the most common finding on imaging in endemic regions and are important seizure foci contributing to the burden of epilepsy.Recent findingsAfter treatment with antiparasitics for multiple viable parenchymal disease, approximately 38% of cysts that resolved after 6 months of therapy will result in residual calcifications, which represents a significant burden of residual disease. Calcified disease has been referred to as 'inactive disease', but there is accumulating evidence to suggest that calcified granulomas are actually dynamic and substantially contribute to the development and maintenance of seizures.SummaryCalcified parenchymal neurocysticercosis contributes significantly to the development and maintenance of seizures in endemic regions. Understanding the pathogenesis of the role of calcified NCC in seizure development and risk factors for development of calcifications after treatment is critical to decreasing the burden of symptomatic disease in endemic regions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)334-338
Number of pages5
JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases
Volume33
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2020

Keywords

  • calcification
  • neurocysticercosis
  • seizures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Brain calcification because of neurocysticercosis: a vast field to be explored'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this