Seizures and cerebral schistosomiasis

Background: Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic trematoid worm that infects humans. Schistosomiasis is endemic in parts of South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and some Caribbean islands. Disorders of the liver and gastrointestinal tract are the most common clinical manifestations. The central nervous system is not usually affected. The most common neurologic manifestation is transverse myelitis. In some circumstances, the eggs of S mansoni are found in the brain, causing inflammatory reaction. Objective: To describe a young Brazilian patient with partial epileptic seizures caused by a granulomatous lesion due to S mansoni. Conclusion: In endemic areas or in patients with a positive epidemiological history, schistosomiasis must be considered as a possible diagnosis of seizures, particularly when they are associated with granulomatous lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.