Cysticercus racemosus in an eosinophilic phlegmon in the brain.

Cysticercus racemosus in a tumour-like mass from the brain of a 30-year-old Canadian was identified by histological and specific immunofluorescent techniques. The patient possibly acquired the infection during her stay in India. She had a mild peripheral eosinophilia and complained of pounding headaches and convulsions. Examination of tissue sections revealed the larva enclosed in an eosinophilic phlegmon and the surrounding brain tissue infiltrated by histiocytes and eosinophils. Loss of microtriches and degenerative changes in the larva were apparent in areas with adherent eosinophils. With the appropriate reagents, both intracellular and interstitial specific immune complexes were detected in the biopsied tissue. The course of infection in the cystic and racemosus types of cysticercosis and the role of tissue eosinophilia in neurocysticercosis have been discussed.