Cerebral Cysticercosis Treated Biphasically with Dexamethasone and Praziquantel

Abstract

A patient with cerebral cysticercosis [Taenia solium] had marked clinical and radiographic response to the administration of corticosteroids and praziquantel. Treatment with corticosteroids was effective in reducing clinical symptoms and reactive cerebral edema. Praziquantel, an anticestodal agent, seems to be a safe and effective therapy for this infection. By 4 mo. after praziquantel therapy, all of the patient''s intracranial lesions had disappeared. Computed tomography is essential in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients treated with this drug.