Ultrasound of a Cysticercal Cyst in the Brachialis Muscle

Abstract

Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease, which is common in developing countries and in the immigrant populations of developed countries. It most commonly presents as neurocysticercosis, but rarely involves the muscles, where it may mimic a tumour. On ultrasound, the intramuscular form is seen as a well-defined, elliptical cystic lesion with an eccentric hyperechoic area within it. Surrounding inflammation may be seen within the muscle. Lesions with similar ultrasound characteristics observed within the muscle should raise a suspicion of cysticercosis in patients that may have been exposed to this parasite.