Publication: Variability of Presentations and CT-Scan Findings in Children with Neurocysticercosis
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Neurocysticercosis is one of the common neurological morbidities in childhood.
Objectives
To find the commonest mode of presentation of this disorder in children. The study
also aims to find out the age at which it commonly occurs, commonest site affected
in the brain and the ethnic group and region most commonly affected in Western
Nepal.
Methods
Retrospective hospital based study carried out in the Department of Pediatrics,
Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara from June 2004 to June 2009.
Results
Over the period of five years, 678 patients were admitted for seizures; out of which
109 patients were diagnosed as having neurocysticercosis (16%). Out of them, 66
(60.5%) were males and 43 (39.4%) were females. The age of presentation varied
from 18 months to 16 years, with mean age 9.77 years. The most common age of
presentation was between 6-10 years (n=47; 43.1%) and 11-15 years (n=47; 43.1%).
Maximum number of patients were from Kaski district (n=41; 37.6%) followed by
Syangja (n=34; 31.1%).The commonest presentation was with seizures (n=85; 77.9
%); generalised seizures was present in 45 patients (52%). Psychiatric manifestations
were present in 3 patients (2.7%). The lesions were found mostly in the parietal
region (n=65; 59.6 %). Most of the lesions were single (n=89; 81.6%). Out of 109
patients, 74 patients (67.8%) improved without any recurrence of symptoms on
two years follow-up.
Conclusion
Neurocysticercosis is a preventable zoonotic disease which results in significant
morbidity in children where sanitary measures are inadequate. Any child presenting
with a first episode, afebrile seizure should be screened for neurocysticercosis
provided other common causes are ruled out.
KEY WORDS
neurocysticercosis, seizures
Description
Gauchan E, Malla T, Basnet S, Rao KS
Department of Pediatrics Manipal teaching Hospital Pokhara, Nepal.