A retrospective analysis of variability of clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with neurocysticercosis in rural population of West Bengal

Background: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common, widely prevalent parasitic infestation of the central nervous system in children of developing countries leading to neurological morbidities. Objectives: To study the variability of initial clinical presentations and brain imaging findings in children with NCC in the rural population of West Bengal. Methods: A retrospective analysis was done in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan, India from August 2011 to August 2013. Results: Out of 952 admitted children with seizure, 113 children were diagnosed as having NCC (11.9%). Out of them, 62 (54.9%) were boys and 51 (45.1%) were girls. The age of presentation varied from 3 years to 12 years, with mean age 9.4 years. The commonest age of presentation was between 10 to 12 years (n=62; 54.9%). The maximum number of patients were from Burdwan district (n=72; 63.7%) followed by Birbhum (n=25; 22.1%). The commonest initial presentation with seizure (n=93; 82.3 %); partial seizure were present in 76 patients (81.7%). On brain imaging study, the commonest location of lesions was found in the parietal region (n=69; 61.1 %), the right parietal region being more common. Single lesions were found in 102 patients(90.3%). Conclusion: NCC is a major cause of neurological morbidity in children of developing nations and it should be suspected in any children presenting with a first episode of afebrile partial seizure. A screening brain imaging should be performed earlier to prevent undue mortality and morbidity. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i5.11628 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(5) 2015 31-35