Scholarlink

Background <p>Conus medullaris intramedullary schistosomiasis is a rare disease, and may present acutely with serious neurological consequences. In its early stages, making a prompt diagnosis, and instituting appropriate treatment results in a good outcome. We share our experience of the diagnostic challenge, surgical treatment and outcome of care of this rare disease entity.</p> Case description <p>A 7-year-old female patient, of Mada ethnicity, presented with 4 days history of bi-sphincteric dysfunction, severe low back pain, and paraparesis. Examination of the patient revealed a bilateral muscle power of 4/5 at L2–3, and 0/5 at L4–S1. Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a fusiform distension of the conus medullaris, with an intradural, intramedullary (ID, IM) mass; isointense on T1, and hyperintense on T2. She had T12–L1 laminectomy with complete resection of the mass. Histopathological evaluation revealed a granulomatous lesion with Schistosoma haematobium ova. Patient subsequently had praziquantel and steroid therapy postoperatively, with complete resolution of back pain, and regain of full muscle power of 5/5 at L2–L4, and 3/5 at L5–S1, in both limbs.</p> Conclusion <p>This case demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion in considering Schistosomiasis as a differential diagnosis of ID, IM tumor of the conus medullaris in pediatric patients. This will result in a prompt diagnosis, and the early institution of appropriate therapy which is often associated with good outcome.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Conus medullaris schistosomiasis, presenting as acute conus-cauda equina syndrome in a pediatric patient: a case report

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月29日

查看全文
  • Dumura Jeneral Alfin,
  • Danaan Joseph Shilong,
  • Gyang Markus Bot,
  • Emmanuel Innocent,
  • Philip O. Akpa,
  • Nenkimun Dirting Bakwa,
  • Ishaku A. Othman

摘要

Background

Conus medullaris intramedullary schistosomiasis is a rare disease, and may present acutely with serious neurological consequences. In its early stages, making a prompt diagnosis, and instituting appropriate treatment results in a good outcome. We share our experience of the diagnostic challenge, surgical treatment and outcome of care of this rare disease entity.

Case description

A 7-year-old female patient, of Mada ethnicity, presented with 4 days history of bi-sphincteric dysfunction, severe low back pain, and paraparesis. Examination of the patient revealed a bilateral muscle power of 4/5 at L2–3, and 0/5 at L4–S1. Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a fusiform distension of the conus medullaris, with an intradural, intramedullary (ID, IM) mass; isointense on T1, and hyperintense on T2. She had T12–L1 laminectomy with complete resection of the mass. Histopathological evaluation revealed a granulomatous lesion with Schistosoma haematobium ova. Patient subsequently had praziquantel and steroid therapy postoperatively, with complete resolution of back pain, and regain of full muscle power of 5/5 at L2–L4, and 3/5 at L5–S1, in both limbs.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the need for a high index of suspicion in considering Schistosomiasis as a differential diagnosis of ID, IM tumor of the conus medullaris in pediatric patients. This will result in a prompt diagnosis, and the early institution of appropriate therapy which is often associated with good outcome.