Infect Chemother.  2015 Jun;47(2):137-141. 10.3947/ic.2015.47.2.137.

Toxocariasis: A Rare Cause of Multiple Cerebral Infarction

• Kwon HH

• KMID: 2069002
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2015.47.2.137

Abstract

Toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the roundworms Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati, mostly due to accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs. Clinical manifestations vary and are classified as visceral larva migrans or ocular larva migrans according to the organs affected. Central nervous system involvement is an unusual complication. Here, we report a case of multiple cerebral infarction and concurrent multi-organ involvement due to T. canis infestation of a previous healthy 39-year-old male who was admitted for right leg weakness. After treatment with albendazole, the patient's clinical and laboratory results improved markedly.

Keyword

Toxocara canis; Cerebral infarction; Larva migrans, visceral

MeSH Terms

Adult
Albendazole
Central Nervous System
Cerebral Infarction*
Eating
Eggs
Humans
Larva Migrans
Larva Migrans, Visceral
Leg
Male
Ovum
Toxocara
Toxocara canis
Toxocariasis*
Albendazole

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Diffusion-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging showing multifocal small acute infarctions in the internal border zone of both the cerebral hemisphere (A) and left cerebellar hemisphere (B).

• 

  Figure 2 Chest computed tomography shows multiple peripheral ground opacities in both lungs.

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  Figure 3 Abdomen computed tomography on portal phase shows small ill-defined hypodense lesions (arrows) in both lobes of the liver.

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