Trichinosis diagnosed by computed tomography

Abstract

Trichinosis is a worldwide disease contained by good husbandry and culinary practice, presenting unexpectedly in individual cases or mini-epidemics. The disease varies greatly in its manifestation and severity although when marked can be recognized by fever with myositis and periorbital oedema. Antibody tests are specific but the appearances on computed tomography of the brain are sufficiently characteristic to allow a confident diagnosis. Two cases where such appearances led to the diagnosis are reported.