J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2010 Dec;48(6):547-550. 10.3340/jkns.2010.48.6.547.

Herniated Lumbar Disc Combined with Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Cysticercosis

• Choi KB
• Hwang BW
• Choi WG
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2018406
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2010.48.6.547

Abstract

Spinal cysticercosis is a very uncommon manifestation of neurocysticercosis which is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium. However, it can develop as a primary infection through blood stream or direct larval migration. It can result in high recurrence and severe neurologic morbidity if not treated appropriately. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with severe lower back pain and left leg radiating pain in recent 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance image (MRI) of lumbar spine demonstrated extruded disc at the L5-S1 level combined with intradural extramedullary cystic lesion. We performed the open lumbar microdiscectomy (OLM) at L5-S1 on the left with total excision of cystic mass. After surgery, the patient showed an improvement of previous symptoms. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination as intradural extramedullary cysticercosis. We discuss clinical features, diagnostic screening, and treatment options of spinal cysticercosis.

Keyword

Cysticercosis; Neurocysticercosis; Spinal cysticercosis; Intradural cysticercosis; Taenia solium

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cysticercosis
Female
Humans
Larva
Leg
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Mass Screening
Neurocysticercosis
Recurrence
Rivers
Spine
Taenia solium