Calcified cysticerci provoke perilesional edema and seizures

In cases of cysticercosis, seizures and other symptoms occur in persons wit h only calcified brain lesions. The presence of perilesional edema has been documented in association with calcified lesions in symptomatic patients, but the frequency of this complication and characteristics of the patients who develop it are not known. Patients in Peru and the United States with n eurocysticercosis, documented by positive results of serological testing an d with only calcified lesions as shown using computerized tomography, were studied using magnetic resonance imaging. Perilesional edema was observed i n slightly more than one-third of the patients, and some patients had frequ ent, severely disabling episodes. Those with an increased proportion of enh ancing calcified lesions were more likely to show perilesional edema. Edema around calcified lesions is common in this population and is associated wi th seizures and neurological morbidity.