Neurocysticercosis: an update on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is an important cause of neurological disease worldwide, including imported cases in nonendemic countries. Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to update information on diagnosis, management, and prevention of neurocysticercosis Recent findings WHO and Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene guidelines emphasize the importance of corticosteroids and antiparasitic drugs for viable parenchymal disease and single enhancing lesions. Subarachnoid NCC is associated with a high fatality rate unless optimally treated. Advances in subarachnoid NCC include use of prolonged antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory courses and the increasing use of antigen-detection and quantitative PCR assays in diagnosis and follow-up. Emerging data support the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery in ventricular cases. Calcified neurocysticercosis continues to be associated with a high burden of disease. Field studies are demonstrating the feasibility of eradication using a combination of mass chemotherapy for human tapeworms and vaccination/treatment of porcine cysticercosis. Summary NCC remains an important and challenging cause of neurological disease with significant morbidity despite advances in treatment and prevention.