Clinically unsuspected thyroid involvement in cysticercosis: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Diagnostic Cytopathology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Disseminated cysticercosis is an uncommon human parasitic infection.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in unusual locations.
• This case underscores the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration (FNA).

Observation:

• A 28-year-old woman presented with a midline neck swelling, initially suspected as thyroid pathology.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) revealed parasitic elements, including a hooklet characteristic of cysticercus.
• Subsequent investigations confirmed disseminated cysticercosis involving the thyroid, brain, lungs, and subcutaneous tissues.

Findings:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears showed inflammatory cells, giant cells, granulomas, and characteristic cysticercus hooklets.
• Histopathological examination of FNA samples confirmed the presence of parasitic infection.
• The diagnosis of disseminated cysticercosis was established, involving multiple organs.

Implications:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a valuable tool for diagnosing parasitic infections, including cysticercosis.
• FNA can identify parasitic lesions in unusual anatomical sites, even when clinically unsuspected.
• This diagnostic approach aids in timely management of disseminated parasitic diseases.