Neurocysticercosis: Advanced Imaging Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Evidence-Based Management
Introduction Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system worldwide , representing a leading cause of adult-onset seizures, particularly in endemic regions of Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. With increasing globalization, immigration, and international travel, NCC has become a significant diagnostic consideration even in non-endemic developed countries. Despite being preventable, NCC continues to pose major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its protean clinical manifestations, variable radiologic appearances, and complex host–parasite interactions. Advances in neuroimaging—especially MRI—have dramatically improved diagnostic accuracy, allowing earlier detection and targeted treatment strategies. This column provides an in-depth, expert-level review of neurocysticercosis, integrating pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, advanced imaging features, differential diagnosis, manag...