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Medullary neuroschistosomiasis in adolescence: case report and literature review

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Abstract

Introduction

Medullary neuroschistosomiasis is a severe complication of gastrointestinal infection by Schistosoma. There are several endemic areas, wherein the only causative species present is Schistosoma mansoni, which is responsible for the clinical manifestations of all cases in those areas.

Methods

We report the case of a 13-year-old female with lumbar pain and progressive lower limb weakness, with a delayed diagnosis of medullary involvement by the parasite. We also reviewed the literature on the disease.

Conclusions

Although it is related to the less severe forms of schistosomiasis, one should pay attention to the diagnosis of neuroschistosomiasis in cases of transverse myelitis in patients who traveled to endemic areas. The delay in diagnosis and, consequently, the introduction of treatment may result in irreversible neurological sequelae.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 720, 6th floor, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Patricia Alessandra Dastoli, Adriana Lima Leite, Marcos Devanir Silva da Costa, Jardel Mendonça Nicácio, Ricardo Silva Pinho & Sergio Cavalheiro

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 720, 9th floor, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Maria Aparecida Gadiani Ferrarini

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  1. Patricia Alessandra Dastoli
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Correspondence to Patricia Alessandra Dastoli.

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Dastoli, P.A., Leite, A.L., da Costa, M.D.S. et al. Medullary neuroschistosomiasis in adolescence: case report and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 37, 2735–2741 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-021-05267-9

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