|
Categories of criteria
|
Criteria
|
|
Absolute |
1. Histologic demonstration
of the parasite from biopsy of a brain or spinal cord lesion |
|
|
2. Cystic lesions showing the
scolex on CT or MRI |
|
|
3. Direct visualization of
subretinal parasites by funduscopic examination |
|
Major |
1. Lesions highly suggestive
of neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging studies* |
|
|
2. Positive serum EITB#
for the detection of anticysticercal antibodies |
|
|
3. Resolution of intracranial
cystic lesions after therapy with albendazole or praziquantel |
|
|
4. Spontaneous resolution of
small single enhancing lesions& |
|
Minor |
1. Lesions compatible with
neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging studies** |
|
|
2. Clinical manifestations
suggestive of neurocysticercosis|| |
|
|
3. Positive CSF ELISA for
detection of anticysticercal antibodies or cysticercal antigens |
|
|
4. Cysticercosis outside the
CNS¶ |
|
Epidemiologic |
1. Evidence of a household
contact with Taenia solium infection |
|
|
2. Individuals coming from or
living in an area where cysticercosis is endemic |
|
3. History of frequent travel
to disease- endemic areas
|
|
* CT or MRI showing cystic
lesions without scolex, enhancing lesions, or typical parenchymal brain
calcifications. |
|
# Enzyme-linked
immunoelectrotransfer blot assay using purified extracts of Taenia
solium antigens, as developed by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (Atlanta, GA). |
|
& Solitary
ring-enhancing lesions measuring less than 20 mm in diameter in patients
presenting with seizures, a normal neurologic examination, and no
evidence of an active systemic disease. |
|
** CT or MRI showing
hydrocephalus or abnormal enhancement of the leptomeninges, and
myelograms showing multiple filling defects in the column of contrast
medium. |
|
|| Seizures, focal neurologic
signs, intracranial hypertension, and dementia. |
|
¶ Histologically confirmed
subcutaneous or muscular cysticercosis, plain X-ray films showing
"cigar-shaped" soft-tissue calcifications, or direct visualization of
cysticerci in the anterior chamber of the eye. |
|
ELISA = enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay. |
