Intrasellar cysticercosis

Eight patients with cysticerci located inside the sella turcica are presented, and the clinical and radiological features of this rare form of neurocysticercosis are discussed. Clinical features included nonspecific ophthalmological and endocrinological disturbances similar to those produced by other sellar lesions. Computerized tomography (CT) usually showed a hypodense mass that simulated either a cystic tumor or an arachnoid cyst. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were also nonspecific, as immunological reactions to cysticercosis were most often negative when inflammation was limited to suprasellar and intrasellar regions. An incorrect diagnosis of tumor was frequent in these cases. In contrast, when intrasellar cysticercosis was associated with other forms of neurocysticercosis, proper integration of CT and CSF data permitted an accurate diagnosis. Cysticercosis should be suspected in patients with hypodense juxtasellar lesions living in geographical areas where this disease is endemic. Prompt surgical resection of cysticerci will avoid irreversible damage to visual function.