Disseminated Cysticercosis Masquerading as Mucocutaneous Nodules

Cysticercus cellulosae is the larval form of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It can be transmitted to humans through food and water contaminated with eggs. The cysticerci formed are spread through the intestinal wall and are carried by the blood stream to muscles, brain, and subcutaneous tissues, leading to clinical manifestations. Rarely, disseminated cysticercosis is observed. We present a case of an asymptomatic disseminated cysticercosis in a 55-year-old man who presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules over the body for 1 year. A nodule was also present over the dorsum of the tongue. No systemic symptoms were associated. The diagnosis was made based on histopathology which revealed cystic lesions with larvae. Ultrasonography showed a cystic cavity with a scolex. On further investigations, involvement of the brain and thyroid gland were revealed. A high index of suspicion with appropriate investigations is required in such cases in endemic areas. Also, this raises the importance of thorough investigations, which should be performed to rule out disseminated disease even in the absence of systemic symptoms.