Thinking Outside Malaria: A Rare Case of Disseminated Cysticercosis With Cardiopulmonary Involvement From Urban Tanzania

Authors

Frederick R. Lyimo, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Ahmed Jusabani, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Hilda Makungu, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Maria Mtolera, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Salim Surani, University of North Texa, USA

Document Type

Case Report

Department

Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology (East Africa)

Abstract

Dissemination of the cysticerci throughout the body with cardiopulmonary involvement represents a very rare occurrence and an uncommon form of cysticercosis manifestation. We report a rare case of a 48-year-old African male from urban Tanzania who was, at first, referred to our radiology department for a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), but incidentally on further evaluation of the patient revealed a history of recurrent convulsions, loss of consciousness, a single episode of temporary loss of vision and recent skin nodules. The value of a full clinical and radiological evaluation of the patient presenting with adult-onset seizures cannot be overemphasized for the diagnosis of this disease. Management of disseminated cysticercosis is complex and, therefore, should be tailored to fit the individual cases and focus on clinical manifestations.

Comments

This work was published - the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication ( Name of Journal)

cureus

Recommended Citation

Lyimo, F. R., Jusabani, A. M., Makungu, H., Mtolera, M., & Surani, S. (2021). Thinking outside malaria: a rare case of disseminated cysticercosis with cardiopulmonary involvement from urban Tanzania. Cureus, 13(1).

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.