A startling X-ray scan revealing calcified parasites embedded throughout a patient’s body has gone viral on social media. Shared by emergency room doctor Sam Ghali, the image depicts what he called one of the “most insane X-rays” he has ever seen, with the patient’s torso appearing peppered with numerous oblong shapes, resembling a hailstorm.
Dr. Ghali explained that the condition, known as cysticercosis, occurs when larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium infect the body. Humans contract the parasite by consuming raw or undercooked pork contaminated with larval cysts. While the tapeworm develops within weeks in the human gut, cysticercosis arises when the larvae migrate to soft tissues, where they calcify over time, forming cysts.
Here’s a video I made breaking down one of the most insane X-Rays I’ve ever seen#FOAMed pic.twitter.com/wp8xtGFTV5
— Sam Ghali, M.D. (@EM_RESUS) January 16, 2025
“The life cycle begins with a human consuming raw or undercooked pig, and then that person becomes infected with the worms in their GI tract and passes the eggs along to another unfortunate human who then consumes them.”
As reported by The New York Post, cysticercosis occurs when infected individuals transmit tapeworm eggs to others through their faecal matter. This transmission can happen if people fail to wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or via water contaminated with faeces.
This unnamed patient’s case highlights the dangers of consuming improperly cooked pork. Such infections can lead to severe complications, including damage to muscles, skin, and even the brain. The X-ray image serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of poor food preparation practices.
