Clinical features of cerebral paragonimiasis in 12 patients

WANG Lei; LI Xiao-li; ZHENG Xiao-yan; WANG Fei; LI Jing-jing; JIA Yong-gen; HUANG Min-jun; ZOU Yang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-8134.2018.01.021

Abstract：Objective To analyze the clinical features, laboratory examination and imaging characteristics of cerebral paragonimiasis, and provide abundant data for clinical physicians. Methods Clinical information of 12 patients with cerebral paragonimiasis admitted in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2011 to October 2017 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results The predominant manifestations of cerebral paragonimiasis were headache, epilepsy and cerebral hemorrhage. All patients had a clear epidemiological history. Among them, 9 patients were sera-positive in specific anti-Paragonimus antibody test and 8 patients showed eosinophilia in the peripheral blood. Seven patients suffered from intracranial hypertension. Moreover, 7 patients with increased proteins, 8 patients with leukocytosis and eosinophilia and 7 patients with IgG elevation were displayed in their cerebrospinal fluid test. Using MR imaging scan, multiple ring-form lesions with neighbouring cerebral edema were revealed in all patients, showing high signals on T1 weighted images in 10 patients and T2 weighted images in 11 patients, respectively. Nine patients' lesions were located at occipital lobe and 3 patients combined with cerebral hemorrhage sign. All 12 patients were cured by praziquantel chemotherapy. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis of clinical data including epidemiological history, main manifestations and laboratory results would be favor of clinical management of cerebral paragonimiasis.