Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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March 13, 2014
Ocular Cysticercosis
- Cysticercosis is caused by infestation of the larval form of Taenia solium, with humans being the primary host.
- Intraocular cysticercosis occurs in 3% of the cases. Depending on their size and location, orbital cysticercoses may be associated with blurring of vision, chemosis, ocular pain, proptosis, periorbital swelling, and ophthalmoplegia.
- Key Diagnostic Features: Depends on the stage of the larva. A cystic-appearing lesion with a nodule (which represents the scolex) should be highly suggestive of cysticercosis. Surrounding inflammatory change is dependant on the larval stage. In a more chronic setting, calcification is seen.
- DDx: Hydatid cyst, metastasis, tuberculosis (granuloma)
- Rx: Steroids, cysticidal agents, intravitreal surgery