Cenurosi cerebrale cronica: correlazione tra segni clinici e quadri in risonanza magnetica

Thirty sheep affected by chronic Coenurus Cerebralis were examined. Clinical evaluation, brain MRI and CSF cytological examination were performed. Poor correlation between clinical signs and location of the cyst was detected. Clinical signs seems to be related with the volume of the cyst in the skull. A threshold value of 33% of the volume of the skull was detected for cysts in the forebrain. A 40% of the volume of the caudal fossa seems to be the threshold value for cysts in the cerebellum. Most of clinical signs seem to depend on increased intracranial pressure. MRI was a useful procedure for the diagnosis of coenurosis. It allowed a precise location of the parasitic cyst, an essential information for the surgeon. The mortality after the surgical removal of the cyst was 20%. All the animals but one recovered rapidly from neurological symptoms. Clinical examination and brain MRI were performed during six months after the surgery. In the majority of the animals the brain returned rapidly on its own size and shape with a glial scar in the area of the surgery, in two sheep last a little poroencephalic cavity.