Simultaneous occurrence of brain tumor and myeloradiculopathy in schistosomiasis mansoni: case report

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2009 May-Jun;42(3):338-41. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822009000300019.

Abstract

Simultaneous occurrence of brain tumor and myeloradiculopathy in cases of Manson's schistosomiasis have only rarely been described. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who developed seizures during a trip to Puerto Rico and in whom a brain tumor was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging: brain biopsy revealed the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. He was transferred to a hospital in the United States and, during hospitalization, he developed sudden paraplegia. The diagnosis of myeloradiculopathy was confirmed at that time. He was administered praziquantel and steroids. The brain tumor disappeared, but the patient was left with paraplegia and fecal and urinary dysfunction. He has now been followed up in Brazil for one year, and his clinical state, imaging examinations and laboratory tests are presented here.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / complications*
  • Neuroschistosomiasis / diagnosis
  • Paraplegia / etiology
  • Radiculopathy / complications*
  • Radiculopathy / diagnosis
  • Radiculopathy / parasitology
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / complications*
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / parasitology