Disseminated Cysticercosis

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium. It is highly prevalent in rural areas of developing countries with poor sanitary conditions. We report a rare case of extensive disseminated cysticercosis in a 98-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department following a fall. The x-ray revealed numerous ‘rice grain’ calcifications predominantly oriented in the plane of muscle fibres. A broad review revealed pelvic, chest and inferior limb involvement. The findings were consistent with cysticercosis.

Keywords

• cysticercosis
• taenia solium