Intramedullary Spinal Neuorocysticercosis

Abstract

Dear Editor, the report on "spinal neuorocysticercosis" is very interesting1). Kim et al. reported a case and concluded that "Even though the prevalence of intramedullary spinal cysticercosis is extremely rare, and radiologic exams mimic other common tumors like ependymoma or astrocytoma, the disease should be considered as differential diagnosis1)." In fact, the problem of spinal cysticercosis can be sporadically seen and can be seen at any age group2). As a tissue parasitic infestation, the final diagnosis is usually due to histological examination of surgical specimen. Using MRI, it might be useful for detection of mass lesion, however, it is impossible to differentiate it. Recently Yoo et al. noted that "MR imaging is a sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting cystic lesions in the spine; however, it is difficult to distinguish cysticercosis from non-infectious cysts such as an arachnoid cyst without using gadolinium enhancement3)." Del Brutto and Garcia noted that "the visualization of the scolex or the incidental discovery of intracranial lesions provide helpful diagnostic clues4)".