Cerebral sparganosis caused by Spirometra mansonoides. Case report.

Cerebral sparganosis is an uncommon parasitic zoonosis caused by the migrating larva of the genus Spirometra mansonoides. The clinical and computerized tomography presentation, as well as the operative and histopathological findings, of the first known case in Mexico are detailed. The dead larva elicited intense acute inflammation resulting in focal encephalitis. Surgical removal of the larva yielded excellent results.