Cysticercus Cellulosæ—Its Radiographic Detection in the Musculature and the Central Nervous System

Abstract

1. A brief outline of the life history, development, distribution, frequency and microscopic characters is given. 2. The initial symptoms of infestation are rarely recognised: there is a long latent period from infestation until the cysts are recognised as subcutaneous nodules or accidentally by radiography. 3. The cysts of Cysticercus Cellulosae cannot be recognised radiographically until calcification has commenced within them. It is rare to see radiographic evidence under 5 years from the date of infestation. 4. The radiographic appearances of the early stages of calcification suggest that the calcium is first deposited in the residue of the fluid contents around the scolex; at this stage the cysts appear to be larger than the fully calcified cysts, for they undergo considerable shrinkage during calcification. The disposition of the calcium within the cyst accounts for variation in the radiographic appearances. 5. The fully calcified cysts appear as elongated ovoid opacities in the long axes of the musc...