Diagnostic criteria
A set of diagnostic criteria were proposed by Del Brutto et al based on the laboratory and imaging tests. The criteria were modified in 2001 to be: (22)
| Categories
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Details
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| Absolute
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- Cystic lesions with the scolex in it on CT scan or MRI
- Histologic confirmation of the parasite on a biopsy from a lesion in the brain or spinal cord
- Visualization of subretinal parasites directly using funduscopic examination
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| Major
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- Positivity of serum anticysticercal antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (EITB)
- Highly suggestive lesions of neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging
- Resolution of small single enhancing lesions spontaneously
- Resolution of intracranial cystic lesions after trreatment with albendazole or praziquantel
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| Minor
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- Lesions that are compatible with neurocysticercosis on neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
- Clinical presentation that is suggestive of neurocysticercosis.
- Positive findings from cerebrospinal fluid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anticysticercal antibodies or cysticercal antigens
- Diagnosing cysticercosis remotely (outside the central nervous system)
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| Epidemiologic
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- Evidence of T.solium infection in a household contact
- Individuals who are staying in or coming from an area of cysticercosis endemicity
- Household contact with an individual infected with T solium
- History of travelling frequently to a disease endemic areas
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| Certainity of diagnosis after applying the criteria
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| Certainity of diagnosis
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Details
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| Definitive
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- Fulfilling 1 absolute criterion
- Fulfilling 2 major criteria in addition to 1 minor criterion and 1 epidemiologic criterion
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| Probable
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- Fulfilling 1 major criterion in addition to 2 minor criteria
- Fulfilling 1 major criterion in addition to 1 minor criterion and 1 epidemiologic criterion
- Fulfilling 3 minor criteria in addition to 1 epidemiologic criterion
|
Specific for Neuro
EITB
MaIN waknesses is that it has only 50% sensitivity in patients with single brain lesions and it can't differentiate between patients with only intestinal tapeworm and patients with cysticercosis (both will be positive)(23)
Using monoclonal antibodies to detect parasitic antigen
CAn be used for following the response to treatment but less sensitive than EITB in detecting the disease. (23)