Cerebral toxocariasis: a possible cause of epileptic seizure in children

Childs Nerv Syst. 2004 Jul;20(7):468-72. doi: 10.1007/s00381-004-0963-x. Epub 2004 May 12.

Abstract

Introduction: Toxocariasis is a worldwide human helminthiasis, which is mostly asymptomatic and caused by toxocara canis, a roundworm in dogs. These can cause visceral larva migrans syndrome in humans who ingest contaminated soil. CNS manifestation with a focal mass lesion is very rare, seizures often being the first symptom.

Case report: We describe an 11-year-old girl presenting with a generalized epileptic seizure and eosinophilia in blood. Under antibiotic therapy under the assumption of toxoplasmosis the lesion did not decrease and surgical resection was considered. We used computer-assisted surgery (CAS) for careful tissue resection. Postoperatively the diagnosis of toxocariasis was confirmed and albendozole medication was administered for 7 days. The patient developed well without neurological deficits or seizures.

Conclusion: We conclude that although neurological involvement is rare in toxocariasis, a cerebral infection in a child with epileptic seizures and eosinophilia should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / parasitology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / surgery
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • Eosinophilia / parasitology
  • Eosinophilia / surgery
  • Epilepsy / etiology*
  • Epilepsy / parasitology
  • Epilepsy / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Toxocara canis / isolation & purification*
  • Toxocariasis / blood
  • Toxocariasis / complications*
  • Toxocariasis / parasitology
  • Toxocariasis / surgery