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A case report of spinal toxocariasis with extensive tumor-like involvement

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Abstract

Background

Toxocariasis is a common parasitic infection worldwide. Although it can present as several clinical syndromes, neurological manifestation is rare. Only a few reports are available on spinal cord involvement of toxocariasis.

Case summary

We report a case that presented with gait disturbance due to progressive lower limb spasticity. The patient had had visceral toxocariasis infection 8 years before. A spine magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed syringomyelia along the entire thoracic cord with small nodular enhancing lesions in the mid-portion of the syrinx, which led to the suspicion of ependymoma. Surgical mass removal was performed. However, histopathological examination of the mass did not show any malignant cells; instead, there were numerous axonal retraction balls with an eosinophilic granular body-like appearance. The serum antibody titer against toxocariasis was borderline high. Taken together, these observations led to a diagnosis of Toxocara infection, and the patient was treated with albendazole.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of tumor-like spinal toxocariasis involving extensive lesions. A solid enhancing mass with accompanied syrinx and hemorrhage might be a Toxocara infection. It can easily be diagnosed with serologic tests and simply be treated with oral albendazole if suspected.

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Availability of data and material

The data that support the findings of this case are available from the corresponding author upon a reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea

    Yeji Lee & Keewon Kim

  2. Seoul Gangnam Rehabilitation Clinic, 227 Seolleung-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06275, Republic of Korea

    Young seop Song

  3. Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea

    Ji hoon Phi

  4. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea

    In-one Kim

  5. Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea

    Keewon Kim

Authors
  1. Yeji Lee
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  2. Young seop Song
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Contributions

Dr. Yeji Lee, Dr. Young seop Song, and Prof. Kim wrote the main manuscript text. Prof. Ji hoon Phi and Prof. In-one Kim drafted and approved the final version of the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Keewon Kim.

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Lee, Y., Song, Y.s., Phi, J.h. et al. A case report of spinal toxocariasis with extensive tumor-like involvement. Childs Nerv Syst 39, 811–814 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-022-05674-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-022-05674-6

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