Early CT reevaluation after empiric praziquantel therapy in neurocysticercosis
Rawlings, D.; Ferriero, D.M.; Messing, R.O.
Neurology 39(5): 739-741
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-3878 PMID: 2710366 Document Number: 333040
Two children in the USA (one originally from Guatemala and the other from a Nicaraguan family) with isolated intraparenchymal Taenia solium cysts (diagnosed by CT) but negative in immunological tests (CSF in both and serum in one) were treated with praziquantel (50 mg/kg daily for 14 days), and carbamazepine to prevent seizures. There was complete resolution of the lesions (as assessed by CT) within one month after treatment. It is suggested that empirical administration of praziquantel, followed by early CT re-evaluation can be an effective alternative to brain biopsy in patients with isolated parenchymal lesions suspected of having cysticercosis.