Natural course of typical and atypical parenchymal solitary cysticercus granuloma of the brain: a 3-year prospective clinico-radiological study

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the role of advanced magnetic resonance (MR) sequences (fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA), T2 star-weighted angiography (SWAN) and spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR)) in patients with single small enhancing computed tomography lesions and scolex demonstration in typical and atypical parenchymal neurocysticercosis. Methods In this study, 59 patients of new-onset seizures with single small enhancing computed tomography lesions of the brain were included. Along with routine MR sequences, advanced MR sequences, like SWAN, FIESTA, and pre and post-contrast SPGR, were performed. Follow-up MR studies focussing on the morphology of the lesions and demonstration of scolex were performed 6 monthly for 3 years. Results The majority of patients (62.7%) were men with partial seizure as the most common manifestation. On SPGR, contrast lesions were identified as either ‘typical’ (42, 71.2%) or ‘atypical’ (17, 28.8%). In the typical lesion group, SWAN and FIESTA sequences detected scolex in 30 (71.4%) and 32 (76.2%), respectively. The combination of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN sequences detected scolex in 35 (83.3%) patients compared to 19 (45.2%) by routine sequences ( P < 0.001). In the atypical lesion group, SWAN and FIESTA sequences detected scolex in 15 (88.2%) and 16 (94.1%) patients, respectively. The combination of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN sequences detected scolex in 16 (94.1%) patients compared to 10 (58.8%) by routine sequences ( P < 0.001). Follow-up showed greater resolution with lesser calcification in the typical group compared to the atypical group. Conclusion This study provides an insight into the natural course of typical and atypical solitary cysticercus granuloma lesions, and the utility of SPGR-contrast, FIESTA and SWAN MR sequences in scolex demonstration and identification of atypical lesions.