Isolated Subcutaneous Cysticercosis of the Abdominal Wall: A Case Report

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium and remains a common health problem in many developing countries. Although the disease most frequently involves the central nervous system, extraneural manifestations affecting skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissues may also occur. Isolated cysticercosis of the abdominal wall is rare and can mimic other benign soft tissue swellings. We report the case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with a painless swelling in the left lumbar region for three months. Ultrasonography (USG) revealed a well defined cystic lesion in the anterior abdominal wall with a characteristic “dot-in-hole” sign suggestive of cysticercosis. The lesion was surgically excised, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis by demonstrating a scolex within the cystic cavity. MRI of the brain showed no evidence of neurocysticercosis. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of cysticercosis and emphasises the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of solitary soft tissue swellings.