Is there any indication of parasitic infection in my brain MRI?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like to know if there appears to be any indication of a parasitic infection, specifically, cerebral sparganosis? I am waiting on getting the ELISA antibody test for sparganosis, and have been having worsening headaches and moving/squirming sensations in my head?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Cerebral sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection due to a parasite named spirometra mansoni and when there is a parasitic infestation of the brain tissues. There are particular features like small tunnels in the brain tissues, areas of edema, and in some cases the visualization of the worm. These features can be visualized in CT and MRI images of the brain.

The moving and squirming movements of the worm in the brain are not exactly felt as sensations but worsening headaches have been recorded in patients with cerebral sparganosis. In medical literature, cerebral sparganosis patients have been known to be suffering from headache, seizure, hemiparesis, or other neurologic deficits.

You can try getting an MRI brain scan done and if required then a contrast study if there are any findings on the plain scan.

Regards.

For more information consult a radiologist online.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for sending the MRI brain scan images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Your MRI scan does not show any tumor, any areas of suspected parasitic infestation, or any acute stroke-like features.

Observations:

The cerebral parenchyma bilaterally appears normal, with no evidence of microvascular changes, infarction or hemorrhage.
The extra-axial spaces are normal in size and morphology for the patient’s age.
The cerebral ventricles are normal sized and symmetrically arranged.
There are no signs of increased intracranial pressure.
The basal ganglia, internal capsule, corpus callosum, and thalamus appear normal.
The brain stem and cerebellum appear normal with no focal abnormality.
The basal cisterns are normal.
The interhemispheric fissure is centered in the midline.
The cerebellopontine angles bilaterally appear normal.
Sella and pituitary are normal.
Parasellar structures are unremarkable.
There is minimal mucosal thickening in the bilateral maxillary sinuses and not of significance.
The orbital structures appear normal.
There are no abnormalities in the calvarium.
Cranio-vertebral and cervico-medullary junctions are normal.
Please do write back if you have doubts.

Regards.

For more information consult a radiologist online.