Muscular cysticercosis: Case report and imaging findings

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium.
• The most common form, neurocysticercosis, affects the central nervous system and is a significant cause of epilepsy worldwide.
• Other forms of cysticercosis, such as muscular cysticercosis, are less common but can present diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• A case report of a 78-year-old female patient presenting with muscular cysticercosis.
• The patient was evaluated at Clínica Mult Imagem in Santos, Brazil.
• The presentation differed from the classic neurocysticercosis, involving muscle tissue.

Findings:

• The case highlights muscular cysticercosis as a distinct clinical manifestation of the parasitic disease.
• This presentation underscores the varied ways cysticercosis can affect the human body.
• Accurate diagnosis requires considering non-neurological forms of the disease.

Implications:

• Further research is needed to fully understand the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of cysticercosis.
• Enhanced diagnostic strategies are crucial for timely recognition and effective management of all forms of cysticercosis.
• Increased awareness among healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes for this parasitic infection.