| disease | Cerebral Echinococcosis |
Cerebral echinococcosis, also known as cerebral hydatid disease, is caused by the larvae of dog tapeworms invading the brain and forming hydatid cysts.
bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations
Headache, vomiting, papilledema. Monoplegia, hemiplegia, hemisensory disturbance, aphasia, etc., and epilepsy is also often partial seizures. In young children, echinococcosis in the frontal-parietal region can also lead to contralateral hemihypoplasia. The affected side may exhibit cranial bulging or localized thinning and softening of the skull.
1. It often manifests with corresponding focal brain damage signs, epileptic seizures, and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
2. Positive results in hydatid intradermal test and complement fixation test. Increased eosinophils in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
3. Head CT scans and MRI can reveal the location and size of the cyst. Cerebral angiography shows avascular areas in the lesion, with surrounding vessels embracing the hydatid cyst in a circular pattern.
4. History of contact with sheepdogs in pastoral areas.
bubble_chart Treatment Measures
For giant hydatid cysts, surgery is the only curative method.
The following medications are also recommended: mebendazole 750mg twice daily for 42 days; albendazole 400-600mg three times daily for 21-30 days; albendazole 400mg twice daily for 30 days. Praziquantel can also be used for patients who are inoperable or experience postoperative recurrence.
Symptomatic treatment: Antiepileptic drugs and dehydrating agents should be administered for epilepsy seizures and increased intracranial pressure, respectively.
