A rare case of disseminated cysticercosis

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a common tropical disease. One of the uncommon manifestations and a rare complication is its disseminated form (DCC). Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the common parasitic disease of the central nervous system. Human cysticercosis is caused by the dissemination of the embryo of Taenia solium in the intestine via the hepatoportal system to the tissues and organs of the body. The organs most commonly affected are the subcutaneous tissues, skeletal muscles, lungs, brain, eyes, liver, and occasionally the heart, thyroid, and pancreas. Widespread dissemination of the cysticerci can result in the involvement of almost any organ in the body. We report here a case of a 36-year-old-male with disseminated cysticercosis. He visited our hospital with symptoms of multiple palpable nodules, dementia, and confusion. After the investigations he was diagnosed with disseminated cysticercosis involving the brain, subcutaneous tissues all over the body, and the skeletal muscles. The patient was initially treated with Albendazole in a private hospital, but there was no response. Then he was treated with Praziquantel and steroids.

Disseminated cysticercosis in an immunocompetent individual

“…This leads to severe antigen–antibody reactions which may lead to enlargement of the cysts, local tissue swelling, and sometimes even a generalized anaphylactic reaction. [8] These effects are usually more damaging in patients who have neurocysticercosis as it may paradoxically manifest as increase in seizure frequency. These reactions are usually minimized by the concomitant use of corticosteroids before starting the cysticidal drug.…”

Dissesiminated cysticercosis with neurocysticercosis – A rare presentation diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology

“…The presence of a scolex in a cystic lesion usually suggests the diagnosis of cysticercosis. 17 FNAC is an extremely useful modality in the diagnostis of parasitic infections. The pork tapeworm T. solium can cause two distinct forms of infection.…”

Disseminated Cysticercosis - A Case Report

“…The presence of a scolex in a cystic lesion usually suggests the diagnosis of cysticercosis. [7] Management of DCC includes symptomatic treatment of central nervous system lesions using steroids and antiepileptics. In patients with raised intracranial tension, surgical removal of cysts and ventriculoperitoneal shunting can alleviate symptoms.…”