Sparganum in the Lumbosacral Canal: a Case Report

Abstract Background: Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by invasion of the larvae of tapeworms Spirometra mansoni called sparganum. It often lodges in human eyes, subcutaneous body of limbs, oral and maxillofacial regions. However, lumbosacral spinal canal invasion is extremely rare and the diagnosis is very difficult. We herein report a case of spinal sparganosis. Case presentation: A 56-year-old man presented at the hospital after having experienced perianal pain for a week. MRI of the lumbosacral spine with gadolinium contrast study revealed an enhancing mass at the S1-S2 level that was clinically suggestive of a tumor. The patient underwent laminectomy from S1 to S2. We detected a live worm in inferior margin of L5 and spinal sparganosis was diagnosed by histological examination. He had a history of ingesting undercooked frog meat in his youth. Both in CSF and serum samples, we detected anti-sparganum antibodies. A dose of praziquantel, albendazole and dexamethasone was administered to the patient because we did not remove the parasitic mass completely. Conclusions: Sparganosis of the central nervous system is extremely rare, especially spinal sparganosis. The mainly treatments spinal sparganosis are surgical removal of the larva and administration of high-dose praziquantel, albendazole and dexamethasone.