Ultrasound-Assisted Neuronavigation-Guided Removal of a Live Worm in Cerebral Sparganosis

World Neurosurg. 2017 Jun:102:696.e13-696.e16. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.03.031. Epub 2017 Mar 16.

Abstract

Background: Cerebral sparganosis is a rare zoonotic infestation that often mimics glioma and metastatic tumors.

Case description: A 71-year-old man presented with disturbing dysarthria. Initial neuroimages were suggestive of glioma. However, the histology was suggestive of inflammatory lesion. Follow-up neuroimages and serology were suggestive of sparganosis. He subsequently had craniotomy with ultrasound-guided aspiration of a live worm. Saline-soaked Surgicel was used to provide an acoustic window.

Conclusions: Ultrasonography was helpful in the intraoperative localization of the worm and is recommended when intraoperative magnetic resonance is not readily available.

Keywords: Cerebral sparganosis; Live worm; Saline-soaked Surgicel; Ultrasound assisted neuronavigation guided.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases / surgery*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glioma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuronavigation / methods*
  • Sparganosis / surgery*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods