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Neurocysticercosis Diagnosed by Taenia solium PCR on Brain Biopsy.

Sean Wei Xiang OngJean-Marc ChavatteJonathan Wei Zhong ChiaRamez Wadie KirollosYih Yian SitohCristine Szu Lyn DingMonica Chan
Published in: Case reports in infectious diseases (2020)
Neurocysticercosis is a common cause for brain lesions and adult-onset epilepsy in endemic countries. However, diagnosis is challenging in the absence of typical radiologic or histopathologic features. In this case report, we present a case of a 35-year-old male with a new-onset seizure and a rim-enhancing temporal lobe lesion. Radiologic features were nonspecific, and brain biopsy was performed. Histologic features showed only nonspecific granulomatous inflammation, and the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was confirmed only with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on brain biopsy tissue demonstrating PCR products consistent with Taenia solium. This case highlights the diagnostic role of PCR in such clinical situations whereby the diagnosis is unclear after initial routine evaluation.
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