Neurocysticercosis in southeastern France between 1988 and 1998

OBJECTIVE: Neurocysticercosis is commonly observed in developing countries but can also occur in industrialized countries. The aim of this work was to analyze diagnostic and therapeutic data on cases of neurocysticercosis dia gnosed in southeastern France over the last 10 years. METHODS: We collected data from patient files and compared them with those reported in the literature. RESULTS: We collected 29 cases of neuro cysticercosis diagnosed in southeas tern France between 1988 and 1999. None of the patients had acquired the di sease in France. Seizures were the most common inaugural sign. Four patient s had skin lesions and very few had radiologically identifiable muscle calc ifications. CT scan acid MRI provided the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis a nd contributed to follow-up. Brain imaging showed cyst formation and calcif ications. Cysticercosis serology was positive in only 52% of our patients. Antiparasite treatments with albendazole provided improvement in most patie nts although aggravation was observed in 4 despite a well-conducted regimen . There was one death. CONCLUSION: Neurological manifestations, particularly seizures, in a patien t returning from an endemic zone should prompt search for neurocysticercosi s with brain CT and MRI. Regression of clinical and radiological signs with treatment confirms the diagnosis.