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.