# Synergistic Manifestations in Cardiac Cysticercosis Complicated by Snake Bite: A Case Report and Literature Review

## TL;DR

A young man with asymptomatic heart cysticercosis died after a snake bite, highlighting the need to consider multiple causes in tropical medical cases.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare co-occurrence of asymptomatic cardiac cysticercosis and fatal snakebite.

## Key findings

- Autopsy revealed cardiac cysticercosis with cystic nodules in the myocardium.
- The patient had asymptomatic disseminated cysticercosis despite multiple organ involvement.
- The cause of death was attributed to complications from the snakebite, not the cysticercosis.

## Abstract

Cysticercosis presents a prevalent issue on a global scale. Nevertheless, disseminated cysticercosis (DCC) is infrequent; even rarer is asymptomatic DCC. Here, we present a unique case of asymptomatic DCC involving the heart in a young male who came to medical attention following a fatal snake bite, ultimately leading to his demise. Despite the widespread dissemination of cysticercosis affecting multiple organs, the individual remained asymptomatic for the condition.

We present a case of a 23-year-old male who was brought to the emergency department with a history of alleged snake bites. The patient was declared dead upon arrival at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India. Autopsy findings revealed multiple significant cardiac abnormalities, including atheromatous changes with calcification in the root of the aorta and aortic valve, along with numerous collateral vessels originating from the left main coronary artery. Additionally, cystic nodules containing cysticercus larvae were identified within the myocardium, suggesting cardiac cysticercosis. The cause of death was determined to be complications related to the snakebite. This case emphasizes the importance of considering multiple potential etiologies in complex clinical presentations, especially in the tropics.