A Rare Case of Cysticercosis Involving the Spinal Canal

A Rare Case of Cysticercosis Involving the Spinal Canal cover: 55-year-old male presented to the radiology department (of his own accord) with a 9-year history of lumbar, spinal pain and a weakness of both lower limbs. He had no bladder or bowel involvement. According to the patient an MRI of the spine with contrast and been performed in 2014. Ependymoma was suggested as a possible cause, however the patient did not seek any treatment. Due to the worsening of the symptoms during the last few months, the patient underwent an MRI imaging of the spine. The MRI study performed in 2022 and the radiologically expressed progression of the disease, specifically the similar changes arising in the cervical segments, put to question the presence of Ependymoma. Patient underwent a surgical resection of the lesion from the lumbar segment for further histological examination. Pathology: A histological examination of a postoperative sample showed the presence of a cyst like structure, containing larvae and consisting of a double layer eosinophilic membrane. The Histomorphology is consistent with cysticercosis. Histopathological images are consistent with tapeworm parasites.

Keywords:Spinal MRI; Spinal neurocysticercosis; Arachnoiditis; Intradural spinal mass lesion