Detection of muscle calcifications by thigh CT scan in neurocysticercosis patients

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2005 Oct;99(10):775-9. doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.04.011.

Abstract

Twenty-five patients with calcified neurocysticercosis (two to four intraparenchymal brain calcifications) were asked to have a non-contrasted computed tomography (CT) scan of the thighs to determine the frequency of muscle calcifications detected by this technique. Thirteen (52%) showed one or more muscle calcifications. The numbers of calcifications in the thighs and the brain were not correlated. Patients with a positive CT scan for muscle calcifications were also examined by X-rays to compare both methods. Only 6 of 13 had visible calcifications on X-ray. Thigh CT scans can demonstrate muscle calcifications in a significant proportion of patients with calcified neurocysticercosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Calcinosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myositis Ossificans / diagnostic imaging
  • Myositis Ossificans / parasitology*
  • Neurocysticercosis / complications
  • Neurocysticercosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thigh / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*