Pseudohypertrophic myopathy in cysticerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Parasitology
• Musculoskeletal Medicine

Background:

• Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval cysts of Taenia solium, can affect various organs, including the central nervous system.
• Diffuse central nervous system involvement can present with diverse neurological manifestations.
• Pseudohypertrophic muscular changes are an uncommon presentation of cysticercosis.

Observation:

• A patient presented with widespread central nervous system involvement and apparent muscle enlargement.
• Electromyography (EMG) was performed to assess neuromuscular function.
• Muscle biopsy was conducted to evaluate the pathological changes.

Findings:

• Electromyographic examination revealed numerous short-duration, low-amplitude motor unit potentials, particularly in proximal muscles.
• Pathological examination of muscle tissue showed significant swelling of muscle fibers.
• Biopsied muscle also exhibited fiber atrophy, fibrosis, and cellular infiltration, distinct from the inflammatory response around parasitic cysts.

Implications:

• This case highlights the diverse clinical spectrum of neurocysticercosis.
• The reported electromyographic and pathological findings provide new insights into the neuromuscular manifestations of cysticercosis.
• Understanding these changes can aid in the diagnosis and management of similar rare presentations.