American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · 1984 · 29 citations · 0 references
MedicineInfectious DiseasesPharmacotherapyChemotherapyInfectious Disease PharmacotherapyNeuroinfectious DiseasesAntiparasitic ChemotherapyCentral Nervous System InfectionsIntracranial Pressure ManagementNeurological Parasitic DiseasesParasitic Disease DiagnosisZoonotic Parasitic DiseasesAnthelmintic Drug TherapyChemotherapy Of Helminth InfectionsCorticosteroid RegimensEchinococcosis ChemotherapyHelminth ChemotherapyIntracranial Parasitic CystsPraziquantel AnthelminticsTomographic Imaging
Two patients with cerebral cysticercosis are described: one with a long-standing infection with multiple intracerebral calcifications, and one who had become infected only recently. Treatment with praziquantel 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days resulted in clinical and radiological improvement in the first patient, although she obviously still harbored a number of viable non-calcified parasites. The second patient was completely cured by the same praziquantel regimen. Both patients needed temporary corticosteroid treatment to suppress development of intracranial hypertension. Computerized tomographic scanning and regular measurement of serum antibody titers against cysticercal and echinococcal antigen seem appropriate methods for follow-up of the effect of chemotherapy.