Publication:

Solitary cysticercosis of sternocleidomastoid muscle: a rare entity

An infection with the larval stage of tapeworm (Taenia solium) is known as cysticercosis. It is seen as cysts in various human tissues, most commonly in the the brain and orbit. Head and neck (except brain and orbit) is a rare location for cysticercosis. We present a case of lateral neck swelling which turned out to be solitary cysticercosis of sternocleidomastoid (SCM). The case is reported because it is rare and to reinforce the fact that possibility of parasitic infection should be considered while dealing with a case of neck swelling. It can be managed medically and high resolution sonography can be a reliable tool for diagnosis and follow-up.