four stages of Neurocysticercosis on neuro-imaging

Q: What are the four  stages of Neurocysticercosis on neuro-imaging?

Answer: There are 4 stages of the cyst itself while reviewing brain imaging

• First - Vesicular cyst. Note the well-defined scolex, minimal contrast enhancement, and mass effect.
• Second -  MRI of a colloidal cyst. Note ring enhancement, loss of the scolex, and perilesional edema.
• Third -  MRI of the nodular/granular stage. Note nodule with diffuse enhancement and no cystic component.
• Fourth - Non-contrast computed tomography showing multiple punctuate calcifications.

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References:

1. Lopes M, Ferreira M, Ramos I, Melo Freitas P. Neurocysticercosis: a contemporary presentation of the neuroimaging main stages. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Feb 9;15(2):e247927. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247927. PMID: 35140100; PMCID: PMC8830162.

2. Knott MV, Berke CN, Shah KH, Gurses ME, Bashti M, Lu VM, Ivan ME, Castro JG, Komotar RJ, Shah AH. Neurosurgical Approach to Neurocysticercosis in Adults: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Clinical and Imaging Insights. Neurosurgery. 2025 Feb 21;97(2):281-297. doi: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003371. PMID: 39982074.