Presentation of cerebral toxocariasis with mental confusion in an adult: case report and review of the literature
Maiga, Y.; Wiertlewski, S.; Desal, H.; Marjolet, M.; Damier, P.
Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique 100(2): 101-104
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-9085 PMID: 17727029 Document Number: 612813
Toxocariasis is usually responsible for visceral larva migrans syndrome. Nervous system involvement is a rare complication. In this report, we describe a case of meningoencephalitis due to Toxocara canis in a 73-year-old man presenting with mental confusion. The diagnosis of cerebral toxocariasis was confirmed by immunodiagnosis in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebral toxocariasis may be suspected in patients presenting with several neurological symptoms including confusion, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and meningomyelitis, when the aetiological assessment remains negative, and the environmental context is favourable. Finding evidence of specific antibodies in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum is mandatory for the diagnosis. The main clinical features of cerebral toxocariasis, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic measures are discussed.