Sparganosis of the breast and lower extremities: sonographic appearance

J Clin Ultrasound. 2014 Sep;42(7):436-8. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22146. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Sparganosis is a rare parasitic infection caused by larvae of the genus Spirometra. It can involve any part of the human body and usually manifests as a mass in various locations. We report a case of recurrent sparganosis in the breast and lower extremities. Our patient had recurrent subcutaneous masses in her breast and lower leg that showed characteristic ultrasonographic imaging findings of serpentine, tubular structures with surrounding increased echogenicity. These imaging findings are well correlated with pathologic findings. Worms were identified in resected specimens confirming sparganosis.

Keywords: breast; extremities; soft tissues; sparganosis; tapeworms; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast / parasitology*
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Diseases / parasitology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / diagnostic imaging
  • Lower Extremity / parasitology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sparganosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sparganosis / parasitology
  • Spirometra / isolation & purification*
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary / methods*