Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case

Alberto Fica; María Isabel Jercic; Claudio Navarrete

Abstract

"ABSTRACT Neurotoxocariasis is uncommon. Its manifestations include events of meningitis, encephalitis and less frequently vasculitis, which manifest as headache, seizures, focalization, confusion, cognitive alterations and /or fever. Peripheral eosinophilia with clinical and neurological imaging elements, allow its early suspicion. We report a 48-year-old agricultural worker, admitted in our hospital for one week of gastrointestinal complaints, headache, progressive left hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. He had leukocytosis (13,530/μL) with peripheral eosinophilia (25%, absolute count 3,400 /μL). CSF analysis revealed no abnormalities and brain CT showed poorly defined hypodense lesions on subcortical areas and semioval centers. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple foci with increased signals predominantly in the white matter in both hemispheres, especially at frontal and occipital regions and at semioval centers. Lesions reinforced after paramagnetic contrast. Serological studies found specific IgG antibodies by ELISA against antigens of the genus Toxocara, which were confirmed by a positive IgG Western Blot. The patient was treated with albendazole (800 mg/d) for 14 days associated with parenteral and then oral corticosteroids with a favorable response and gradual complete recovery."

Más información

Título según SCIELO: Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case
Título de la Revista: REVISTA MEDICA DE CHILE
Volumen: 149
Número: 11
Editorial: SOC MEDICA SANTIAGO
Fecha de publicación: 2021
Página de inicio: 1673
Página final: 1678
Idioma: en
DOI:

10.4067/S0034-98872021001101673

Notas: SCIELO