Cerebral paragonimiasis: a retrospective analysis of 89 cases.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the clinical and follow-up data of 89 cases with cerebral paragonimiasis and summarized the disease characteristics, diagnostic strategies and treatment experience, with an expectation of establishing standard diagnosis and treatment for cerebral paragonimiasis.

METHODS

A total of 89 cases (age: 2-64 years) of cerebral paragonimiasis admitted and treated in our hospital in the past 10 years were included in this study. The clinical symptoms were manifested by headache, epilepsy, paralysis, etc. In order to confirm the diagnosis, we performed imaging examinations (e.g., CT and MRI) and laboratory tests (ELISA and eosinophil counting). Seventy-two patients received oral administration of praziquantel only, 16 cases received surgical resection of the lesions and 33 cases received appropriate anti-epileptic therapies. The diagnostic, treatment and follow-up data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Follow-up was performed for 73 cases for a period of 6-48 months and the original symptoms were markedly improved without recurrence. 15 patients were lost to follow-up after discharge. One patient died of epilepticus insult, high fever and convulsions. Although 4 patients still had seizures within 6 months of treatment, seizure frequency was significantly reduced. Histopathological evaluation demonstrated inflammatory changes with esoinophilic infiltration in all 16 patients who underwent surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Young patients (age: <18 years) are more likely to have cerebral hemorrhage. SWI imaging contributes to the diagnosis of hemorrhagic lesions. Cerebral paragonimiasis can cause epilepsy, especially grand mal seizures.