Case 8-1993: Cysticercosis

To the Editor: Case 8-1993 (Feb. 25 issue)¹ describes a patient with subarachnoid cysticercosis who was treated with praziquantel without the simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids. This approach contrasts with that currently recommended for the management of this form of the disease². Although both praziquantel and albendazole are effective against parenchymal brain cysticerci, the latter is the drug of choice for subarachnoid cysts³. Albendazole and praziquantel have different mechanisms of action. Praziquantel destroys the scolex of the cysticercus by producing spastic paralysis of the parasite's musculature. In contrast, albendazole inhibits the uptake of glucose by parasitic membranes, causing energy…