Multiple cysticerci as an unusual cause of mesenteric lymph node enlargement: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Cysticercosis is a disease caused by infestation with the larval stage of the intestinal cestode Taenia solium. The parasite usually localizes to subcutaneous tissues and muscles causing palpable or visible nodules, to the brain leading to epileptic attacks, and to the eyes with visible nodules leading to blindness and atrophy. Case presentation: Here we present the case of a 15-year-old girl who was incidentally detected as having mesenteric lymph node enlargement caused by multiple cysticerci. This is the second case report of lymph node enlargement due to cysticercus infestation. Conclusion: This rare mode of presentation of cysticercus infestation highlights the importance of parasites as a cause of treatable lymph node enlargement. © 2008 Mohan et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.