Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy - A case report

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 May 16:52:e20180335. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0335-2018.

Abstract

The most common neurological impairments related to schistosomiasis involve the lower portions of the medulla and the cauda equina. A 22-year-old woman, with no history, signs, or symptoms of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis, presented with lumbar pain associated with acute paresthesia and paresis of the right lower limb. Spinal schistosomiasis was suspected based on the disease progression and radiological findings, and the diagnosis was confirmed after cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The authors emphasize this pathology as important as a differential diagnosis in similar clinical scenarios, especially in endemic areas, because both early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid permanent sequelae.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / diagnosis*
  • Radiculopathy / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Radiculopathy / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Young Adult