Visceral larva migrans presenting as multiple intracranial and intraspinal abscesses

Neuropathology. 2007 Aug;27(4):371-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2007.00775.x.

Abstract

Involvement of nervous system by toxocariasis is rare and can produce a spectrum of pathology that includes eosinophillic meningoencephalitis, meningomyelitis, space occupying lesions, vasculitis causing seizures or behavioral abnormalities posing diagnostic dilemmas. We describe a 38-year-old man who presented with multiple intracranial and intramedullary abscesses caused by visceral larva migrans. Neurohelminthiasis as a cause of multiple abscesses, though rare, should be entertained as a differential diagnosis particularly in tropical South-east Asian countries where helminthiasis is still an epidemiological concern prevalent in the pediatric age group.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • Brain Abscess / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / pathology*
  • Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / physiopathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / pathology*
  • Larva Migrans, Visceral / physiopathology
  • Liver Abscess / microbiology
  • Male
  • Spinal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology
  • Toxocara canis*