Intraparenchymal cerebral cysticercosis in children: Diagnosis and treatment

Cerebral cysticercosis is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in children in the United States. A total of 52 patients with intraparenchymal cerebral cysticercosis, 21 months to 20 years of age, were observed for 2 to 72 months. Actively inflamed acute lesions, with or without coexisting chronic calcified lesions, were seen in 42 patients. Solitary lesions were seen in 39 patients, multiple lesions in 13. Chronic inactive calcified lesions were seen in ten children. A total of 51 patients had seizures that were either partial or partial with secondary genralization. Patients were treated with anticonvulsants. Praziquantel was not used. All active lesions resolved completely or with punctate calcification in 2 to 9 months, according to radiographic findings. Seizures were easily controlled. Patients were gradually weaned from anticonvulsants and in 60% no seizures recurred. Prognosis was generally good. Characteristics of the CT scans are detailed.