Cysts that still persist: A case series of cysticercosis on histopathological evaluation

Cysticercus is the infective larval form of the cystode T. solium that causes cysticercosis. It is has been declared as one of the neglected endemic zoonoses by the WHO. Poor sanitation, and consumption of undercooked infected pork and raw vegetables contaminated by human feces are the potential sources. Cysticercosis can affect various organs. India is one of the endemic countries where the parasite is prevalent in many states. This study aimed to analyze and report cases of cysticercosis based on the histopathological diagnosis. This is a retrospective study that included cases which had been reported as cysticercosis on histopathology from 2010 to 2018 at a tertiary care hospital. The clinical presentation of these cases along with macroscopic and microscopic features were reviewed. There were six cases of cysticercosis that were diagnosed on histopathology during the study period. Among them, two cases were intramuscular lesions, three were subcutaneous, and one case was an intraventricular lesion in the brain. Three of the cases presented as cystic lesions. On histopathological evaluation, cysts were identified in four cases on macroscopy. Microscopically, the cross section of the cysticercus was seen in all six cases with associated inflammatory change. To conclude, cysticercosis can clinically present as a benign neoplastic or an inflammatory lesion. Microscopic findings dictate the diagnosis of cysticercosis, although histopathological evaluation is not common.