# Highlighting the Importance of Preoperative Imaging in Neurocysticercosis: A Case Report of Rapid Cysticercus Cyst Migration From the Third to the Fourth Ventricle

**Authors:** John P Mader, Sepehr Zekavaty, James Yang, Ryan Rossi, Chad Thompson, Shamseldeen Y Mahmoud

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83527 · Cureus · 2025-05-05

## TL;DR

This case report shows how preoperative MRI is essential for tracking and managing a migrating brain cyst in neurocysticercosis.

## Contribution

The report highlights a rare case of rapid cyst migration and the role of timely imaging in surgical planning.

## Key findings

- MRI revealed a cyst in the third ventricle causing obstructive hydrocephalus.
- Follow-up imaging showed the cyst had migrated to the fourth ventricle.
- Surgical removal of the migrated cyst led to full patient recovery.

## Abstract

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system commonly caused by Taenia solium. Imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical for diagnosis and follow-up of the infection. In this report, we present the case of a 44-year-old male with a history of chronic neurocysticercosis who presented with acute neurological symptoms. An initial MRI showed new obstructive hydrocephalus due to a cyst in the third ventricle. The patient underwent placement of an external ventricular drain to relieve the obstructing hydrocephalus. Follow-up imaging revealed interval migration of the cyst to the fourth ventricle. The cyst was removed surgically, and the patient recovered without any complications. This case emphasizes the importance of timely imaging for effective surgical planning of neurocysticercosis.

## Linked entities

- **Species:** Taenia solium (taxon 6204)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** hydrocephalus (MESH:D006849), Cysticercus Cyst (MESH:D003560), Neurocysticercosis (MESH:D020019), parasitic infection (MESH:D010272), infection (MESH:D007239)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Taenia solium (pig tapeworm, species) [taxon 6204]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12136720/full.md

## References

8 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12136720/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12136720