Isolated cardiac cysticercosis of the right ventricle

Cardiac cysticercosis is a rarely encountered form of cysticercosis, caused by the larval cyst of tapeworm (Taenia solium). It commonly affects the central nervous system; however, systematic involvement has been reported as well. We describe a case of isolated cardiac cysticercosis incidentally discovered in a 16-year-old female undergoing surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), with no prior history of parasitic infestation. Our objective is to highlight the importance of cardiac cysticercosis as a differential finding in epicardial cystic masses which may be missed or misinterpreted on imagining modalities and to the limited literature on this particular rate manifestation of cysticercosis.

Cardiac cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis in sudden and unexpected community deaths in Lusaka, Zambia: a descriptive medico-legal post-mortem examination study

BACKGROUND

Cysticercosis is a World Health Organization designated neglected human zoonosis worldwide. Data on cardiac cysticercosis and its contribution to sudden and unexpected community deaths are scarce and require study.

METHODS

A study was performed of cysticercosis-related deaths and other incidental cases of cysticercosis seen at forensic post-mortem examination over a period of 12 months, in individuals who died suddenly and unexpectedly in the community in Lusaka, Zambia. Whole-body post-mortem examinations were performed according to standard operating procedures for post-mortem examinations. Representative samples were obtained from all body organs and subjected to histopathological examination. Information was obtained on circumstances surrounding the death. Data were collated on patient demographics, history, co-morbidities, pathological gross and microscopic findings, and forensic autopsy cause(s) of death. The available literature on cardiac cysticercosis was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Nine cases of cysticercosis were identified. Eight of the nine cases had cardiac cysticercosis. There was no prior history of cysticercosis before death. All were male, aged between 28 and 56 years, and from high population density and low socioeconomic communities. There was no community case clustering identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis are important incidental findings in sudden and unexpected deaths in the community and can easily be missed antemortem. More investment in forensic autopsy services is required to define the undiagnosed burden of deaths due to treatable communicable diseases.