MRI Characteristics of Intraspinal Sparganosis: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Intraspinal sparganosis constitutes an uncommon parasitic infection. The absence of distinct clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics frequently leads to its misdiagnosis as a tumor, cyst, or hematoma. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we present a case involving a 57-year-old female patient with a history of consuming raw or undercooked frog meat and pork. Imaging studies identified an intraspinal occupying lesion. The patient subsequently underwent surgical intervention, which resulted in a pathological diagnosis of intraspinal sparganosis. Following this diagnosis, anthelmintic therapy was administered as part of the comprehensive treatment protocol. CONCLUSION: During the differential diagnosis of intraspinal space-occupying lesions, the intraspinal lesion observed on MRI plain scan appears as a solitary, irregular mass with abnormal signal characteristics. On T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), the lesion demonstrates isointense signal intensity; on T2- weighted imaging (T2WI), it displays mildly hyperintense signal, with markedly increased signal intensity on fat-suppressed T2WI. The lesion exhibits poorly defined margins and exerts a significant mass effect. Following contrast administration, the majority of lesions show marked, homogeneous, mass-like enhancement. Intraspinal sparganosis should be considered in the context of a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's MRI findings, medical history of potential exposure, and serological testing for parasitic antibodies. This integrated diagnostic strategy contributes to improved preoperative diagnostic accuracy, which in turn enhances treatment outcomes and prognosis.