INCIDENTAL DIAGNOSIS OF DISSEMINATED CYSTICERCOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH ALCOHOL-RELATED ACUTE PANCREATITIS: A CASE REPORT
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Keywords
disseminated cysticercosis, calcified lesions, incidental finding, Taenia solium, acute pancreatitis, alcohol use.
Abstract
Disseminated cysticercosis is a rare parasitic disease caused by Taenia solium larvae that involves multiple organ systems. While cysticercosis commonly affects the central nervous system, disseminated forms[1] with complete calcification of lesions are rare and often asymptomatic
Case
Presentation:
We report the case of a 52-year-old male from southern India with a history of chronic alcohol use and poorly managed diabetes who presented with acute abdominal pain and altered mental status. Laboratory investigations confirmed acute pancreatitis. Incidentally, CT and MRI revealed multiple calcified lesions in the brain, skeletal muscles, and soft tissues, consistent with disseminated calcified cysticercosis[2].
Clinical
Discussion:
The patient exhibited no active signs or symptoms of neurocysticercosis. No antiparasitic therapy was initiated[3]. Management focused on treating pancreatitis and advising on food hygiene and alcohol cessation.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of recognizing incidental imaging findings suggestive of disseminated calcified cysticercosis and underscores the role of conservative management in the absence of active disease. Public health measures to ensure food hygiene and safe dietary practices remain essential to prevent Taenia soliuminfections[4].
References
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5. Del Brutto OH, Roos KL, Coffey CS, García HH. Meta-analysis: cysticidal drugs for neurocysticercosis: albendazole and praziquantel. Ann Intern Med. 2006;145(1):43–51.
6. 6.Garcia HH, Gonzales I, Lescano AG, et al. Efficacy of combined antiparasitic therapy with praziquantel and albendazole for neurocysticercosis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2014;14(8):687–95.
7. 7.White AC Jr, Coyle CM, Rajshekhar V, Singh G, Hauser WA, Mohanty A, et al.Diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis: 2017 clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 018;98(4):945–66.
8. 8.Garg RK, Rizvi I, Chakravarty R, Malhotra HS, Kumar N. Treatment outcome in patients with disseminated cysticercosis: a systematic review of case reports and case series. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024;110(6):1080–8.
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Jayanth M S
Dept. Of Medicine, Srm Medical College And Research Centre Srmist, Chennai, Tn, India
Vidwath V
dept. Of Medicine, Srm Medical College And Research Centre Srmist, Chennai, Tn, India
Vidya T A
dept. Of Medicine, Srm Medical College And Research Centre Srmist, Chennai, Tn, India
Janardanan Subramonia Kumar
dept. Of Medicine, Srm Medical College And Research Centre Srmist, Chennai, Tn, India