A Rare Presentation of Cysticercosis in the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a rare condition associated with the development of cysticercus (larval form) of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), within an intermediate host. Accidental ingestion of infectious eggs is most likely the cause of humans becoming intermediate hosts. The most common site for larval cysts is the central nervous system followed by vitreous humor of the eye, striated muscle, and, in rare cases, subcutaneous and other tissues. Isolated muscular involvement with nonspecific symptoms makes this condition challenging to diagnose. We present an unusual case of cysticercus in the sternocleidomastoid muscle diagnosed with ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced scans, which was subsequently treated with surgical excision and a short course of anthelmintics.