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
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