Diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up of neurocysticercosis complicated with hydrocephalus: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Neurocysticercosis (NCC) presents a wide range of complex clinical manifestations and various complications, which depend on factors such as the number and size of cysticerci, developmental stage, brain location, and immune response.This study reports the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a patient with neurocysticercosis complicated with hydrocephalus for up to two years. Case presentation: This study describes the clinical, radiological, and immunological features of a patient who initially presented with recurrent episodes of unconsciousness over five months. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to identify the pathogen, and DNA from the pork tapeworm was detected in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid. Insecticidal treatment with praziquantel was administered, and upon readmission, secondary hypothyroidism was diagnosed, indicating the presence of hypopituitarism. Hormone treatment and thyroid hormone supplementation were initiated, resolving the patient's clinical symptoms and restoring thyroid function. Conclusions The manifestations of cerebral cysticercosis are diverse, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis and proactive intervention. Given the intricate and varied nature of these complications, extended follow-up emerges as a critical component. Such prolonged monitoring plays a pivotal role in determining the prognosis and enhancing the overall quality of life for affected individuals.