Subcutaneous cysticercosis

Abstract

Subcutaneous cysticercosis occurred in a 34-year-old man who had multiple asymptomatic subcutaneous nodules. Surgical excision of one lesion revealed a cystic structure with a fibrous capsule that embraced a pork tapeworm larva (Cysticercus cellulosae). Such esoteric afflictions as cysticercosis may be seen with increasing frequency in an age of accelerated international travel.

Subcutaneous Cysticercosis Involving the Eyelid: Sonographic Diagnosis

“…Although subcutaneous cysticerci usually remain asymptomatic, their importance in clinical practice is mainly due to three reasons. First, they may be mistaken for some other disease presenting with painless swellings like lipoma, neurofibroma, lymphadenopathy, or epidermoid cyst (7,8). In the tongue, they may generate suspicion of metasatic tumor (9,10).…”

“…In the tongue, they may generate suspicion of metasatic tumor (9,10). Second, awareness of such lesions may lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cysticerci in vital organs before irreversible damage occurs (8). Third, in patients with suspected neurocysticercosis, the presence of subcutaneous cysts provides an important clue to the diagnosis (11).…”

“…Various serological tests, like complement fixation, eznyme-linked immunosor-bent assay, and enzyme-linked immunoe1ectrotransfer blot may support the clinical diagnosis (1,17,18). Blood eosinophilia is present in about 15% of the patients (8). Calcified cysts in large proximal muscles may be visible on radiography; however, such clues are often absent, because calcification in cysts occur only after about five years of infection (4,11).…”

“…Calcified cysts in large proximal muscles may be visible on radiography; however, such clues are often absent, because calcification in cysts occur only after about five years of infection (4,11). Other supportive investigations include CT scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and limbs (4,8). Both A scan and B scan USG have been used to diagnose ocular cysticercosis (6,13).…”

“…Both A scan and B scan USG have been used to diagnose ocular cysticercosis (6,13). The diagnostic value of a subcutaneous nodule in generalised cysticercosis has been emphasised by many investigators (8,19,20). Subcutaneous nodules are easily accessible for histopathological confirmation or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) (7,11).…”