A rare case of primary high cervical intramedullary cysticercosis: Uncomplicated surgery but a preoperative diagnostic predicament

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infection involving the central nervous system. The involvement of spine by this disease is extremely uncommon. When the spine does get affected, it generally develops as a synchronous infection with an existing cerebral cysticercosis and usually involves the intradural extramedullary space. Primary intramedullary involvement is rare. A case of primary high cervical intramedullary cysticercosis with non-progressive symptoms is described. In this case, a pre-operative diagnosis could not be ascertained. The patient underwent total surgical resection of the lesion and made excellent recovery. Post-operative evaluation did not reveal disease at other sites. This case highlights the safety and ease of surgical resection in intramedullary NCC.