Disseminated cysticercosis in a non-endemic area of Europe: diagnostic challenges and successful management of an unusual parasitic infection

Authors

  • Kacper Andruszkiewicz Student Scientific Society of the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
  • Mikołaj Filipiak Student Scientific Society of the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
  • Jan Radomski Student Scientific Society of the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
  • Alicja Wysocka Student Scientific Society of the Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 5, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
  • Małgorzata Paul Department of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Section of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17420/ap71.540

Keywords:

disseminated cysticercosis, neurocysticercosis, Taenia solium, pork tapeworm, brain lesions, magnetic resonance, albendazole therapy

Abstract

Cysticercosis caused by the larval forms of Taenia solium is observed sporadically in humans from nonendemic areas and is challenging to diagnose. We report an extraordinary case of 81-year-old woman from a rural region of Poland with worsening neurological symptoms suspected of brain malignancy. Imaging and serological tests confirmed disseminated cysticercosis with multiple space-occupying lesions located in the brain, soft tissues, and liver. Systemic cysticercosis in a white woman without a history of international travel is an exceptional clinical finding. Treatment with albendazole and corticosteroids led to significant reduction of pathological masses and clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering unusual parasitic infections in neurological evaluations, even in non-endemic areas.

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Published

2025-05-20

How to Cite

Andruszkiewicz, K., Filipiak, M., Radomski, J., Wysocka, A., & Paul, M. (2025). Disseminated cysticercosis in a non-endemic area of Europe: diagnostic challenges and successful management of an unusual parasitic infection. Annals of Parasitology, 71, 11–17. https://doi.org/10.17420/ap71.540

Issue

Vol. 71 (2025)

Section

Case report