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Neurocysticercosis Calcified — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardTropical & Imported InfectionsNeurocysticercosis CalcifiedSCE Infectious Diseases

CT shows a single calcified parenchymal neurocysticercosis lesion with transient surrounding oedema during a focal seizure. No viable cyst or scolex remains. What does the calcification represent?

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Correct answer: BA non-viable involuted cysticercus with intermittent perilesional inflammation

The best answer is “A non-viable involuted cysticercus with intermittent perilesional inflammation”. Calcification marks involution rather than a viable parasite, so management centres on seizures and inflammatory oedema; antiparasitic treatment is not automatically indicated for an isolated calcified lesion. Neurocysticercosis stage and lesion activity determine whether management is anti-inflammatory, antiseizure, antiparasitic or procedural.

Reference: WHO taeniasis and cysticercosis fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/taeniasis-cysticercosis