# Ultrasound-guided resection of cerebellar racemose neurocysticercosis: novel insights from a unique scenario

## TL;DR

A 66-year-old woman with a rare brain infection had successful surgery using ultrasound guidance to remove the cysts without new complications.

## Contribution

This case study demonstrates the feasibility of ultrasound-guided resection for cerebellar racemose neurocysticercosis.

## Key findings

- Ultrasound-guided resection achieved complete cyst excision in a patient with cerebellar racemose neurocysticercosis.
- The patient showed no recurrence of cysts on MRI after 2 years and no new neurological deficits.
- The procedure provided enhanced operative visualization and was a cost-effective approach.

## Abstract

Racemose neurocysticercosis (RNC) is a malignant form of Taenia solium infection. It carries high mortality due to widespread intraparenchymal invasion, mass effect, and cyst rupture. Cerebellar RNC is unusual and constitutes a surgical challenge. Scarce applications of ultrasound (US) -guided resection have been reported for RNC of the posterior fossa. We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with ataxia and dysmetria. Her past medical history was relevant for seizures and hydrocephalus secondary to neurocysticercosis. Because of the increasing cyst invasion and threatening mass effect in the posterior fossa, the patient underwent US-guided resection of lesions. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) demonstrated complete excision of cysts, and a 2-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no recurrence. On neurological examination, the patient had persistent ataxia without new-onset neurological deficits. The present case study illustrates the feasibility and cost-effective approach of US-guided resection to provide enhanced operative visualization and achieve complete cyst resection.