Current opinion in infectious diseases
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Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis. · Oct 2020
ReviewBrain calcification because of neurocysticercosis: a vast field to be explored.
Neurocysticercosis is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Endemic regions include Latin American countries, sub-Saharan Africa, and large regions of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and is a global health problem. Seizures are the most common manifestation and approximately 30% of adult-onset seizures in endemic regions are attributable to NCC. Calcifications because of neurocysticercosis is the most common finding on imaging in endemic regions and are important seizure foci contributing to the burden of epilepsy. ⋯ Calcified parenchymal neurocysticercosis contributes significantly to the development and maintenance of seizures in endemic regions. Understanding the pathogenesis of the role of calcified NCC in seizure development and risk factors for development of calcifications after treatment is critical to decreasing the burden of symptomatic disease in endemic regions.