Which location is not considered extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis?

Which location is not considered extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis?

• A. Brain parenchyma
• B. Subarachnoid space
• C. Meninges
• D. Ventricles

Answer: (A)

Neurocysticercosis can involve the brain tissue itself or lie outside it in the CSF spaces and coverings. Extraparenchymal refers to anything outside the brain parenchyma, so the locations that count as extraparenchymal are the subarachnoid space, the meninges, and the ventricles. The brain parenchyma, by contrast, is the actual brain tissue. Cysts within that tissue are intraparenchymal, not extraparenchymal. Therefore, the location not considered extraparenchymal is the brain parenchyma. Intraparenchymal disease often presents with seizures, while extraparenchymal disease can lead to hydrocephalus or meningitis due to inflammation in CSF spaces.

Neurocysticercosis can involve the brain tissue itself or lie outside it in the CSF spaces and coverings. Extraparenchymal refers to anything outside the brain parenchyma, so the locations that count as extraparenchymal are the subarachnoid space, the meninges, and the ventricles. The brain parenchyma, by contrast, is the actual brain tissue. Cysts within that tissue are intraparenchymal, not extraparenchymal. Therefore, the location not considered extraparenchymal is the brain parenchyma. Intraparenchymal disease often presents with seizures, while extraparenchymal disease can lead to hydrocephalus or meningitis due to inflammation in CSF spaces.