Seizures Beyond the Heart: Unveiling Neurocysticercosis After Cardiac Surgery

TL;DR

A woman developed seizures after heart surgery, revealing a rare brain condition common in certain regions, highlighting the need for broader diagnostic considerations.

Contribution

Highlights neurocysticercosis as a potential cause of postoperative seizures in endemic areas.

Findings

A 39-year-old woman developed seizures after cardiac surgery, revealing a calcified brain lesion consistent with NCC.

Timely imaging and antiepileptic therapy led to successful seizure control and recovery.

The case underscores the importance of considering NCC in postoperative seizure differential diagnosis in endemic regions.

Abstract

Postoperative seizures are uncommon but clinically significant complications after cardiac surgery, usually attributed to hypoxia, metabolic disturbances, embolic events, or stroke. In endemic regions, such as India, however, neurocysticercosis (NCC) remains a leading cause of seizures and may present incidentally in the perioperative period. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who underwent elective mitral valve repair and developed new-onset generalized seizures in the immediate postoperative phase. Urgent neuroimaging revealed a calcified parietal lesion consistent with old NCC. Seizure control was achieved with antiepileptic therapy, and the patient recovered uneventfully. This case emphasizes the need to consider NCC in the differential diagnosis of postoperative seizures, particularly in endemic populations, and highlights the importance of timely imaging and supportive management in optimizing outcomes.

Figures