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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7318.3

Abstract

Background: Parasitic infestation remains a leading serious health problem with worldwide distribution especially in developing like India with wide range of morbidities. The fact that cysticercosis infestation caused by Taeniasolium remains a major health hazard with variable clinical manifestation. However, presentation of Cysticercosis infestation as lymphadenopathy with subcutaneous manifestation is a rare entity as observed in our present study which often mis-interpretated formesenchymal soft tissue tumour. The effective pick up of the infestation on routine cytology screening showers limelight on the diagnostic modalities. Materials and Methods: All patients with lymphadenopathy and subcutaneous masses with various clinical differentials were subjected for routine Fine needle aspiration Cytology procedure with standard cytological stains. All relevant clinical information including socio economic status and procedural data were documented with ethical clearance. Demonstration of parasitic infestations and its association was based on personal knowledge on previously published articles on the disease. Results: Among 153 cases examined, 15 cases demonstrated features of Cysticercosis infestation, 5 of which showed classical larval stages of proglottids on cytology smears. 4 cases demonstrated cellulose acetate material and 2 cases with cystic fragments in reactive lymphoid background which was confirmed on subsequent histopathology. Rest 4 cases shows fragmented parasites. All the cases were started on prompt appropriate treatment and well recovered. Conclusion: Cysticercosis infestation should be included in priority as one of the differential diagnosis by Pathologists in patients presenting with lymphadenopathy & painless subcutaneous masses especially in endemic tropical regions. The study emphasizes the judicious and early diagnostic utility of cytology in detection of Cysticercosis infestation in initiating prompt treatment.

Keywords: Cysticercosis; FNAC; Histopathology; Subcutaneous Swelling; Lymphadenitis. 

Corresponding Author : Anandraj Vaithy K., Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth University, Puducherry- 607402, India.