Retrobulbar cysticercosis masquerading as optic nerve glioma

Cysticercosis in ophthalmology

Cysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium, a cestode or tapeworm that preferentially affects the subcutaneous tissue, brain, muscle, and the eye. It is traditionally a disease of low socioeconomic regions, but large-scale population migration has made it a matter of global concern. Its ocular invasion is a potentially blinding disease. In the last two decades, there has been considerable discussion of cysticercosis; however, most comes from a limited number of case observations. Thus, to overcome this limitation, we summarize and analyse twenty years of medical literature (from 2000 to 2020) on cysticercosis in ophthalmology.

Surgical Management of Extraocular Muscle Cysticercosis Causing Optic Foramen Syndrome

Extraocular muscle cysticercosis usually presents with proptosis and restriction of eyeball movements. However, it can cause vision loss by compression of the optic nerve at the optic foramen in infrequent circumstances. We report a rare case with an unusual manifestation of ptosis, proptosis, lateral rectus palsy, and acute vision loss in the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of cysticercal cyst. Emergency optic nerve decompression with cyst excision was done. Treatment of choice for extraocular muscle cysticercosis presenting with restriction of eyeball movements is mainly medical, consisting of albendazole and steroids. However, as this lesion rarely causes vision loss, indications of surgical decompression of optic nerve are not well defined. We recommend that early surgical management should be done along with medical treatment in cases of vision loss caused by extraocular muscle cysticercosis.

Cysticercosis of the eye

Cysticercosis is a preventable and eradicable cause of blindness endemic in the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia and other developing countries. Ocular and orbital cysticercosis has varied presentations depending upon the site of involvement, number of lesion and the host immune response. In this article we present a review of the various clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management protocol for orbital and ocular cysticercosis. Owing to its varied presentation, cysticercosis may pose a diagnostic challenge to the health professionals. Early diagnosis and management can prevent the vision loss and optimize visual outcomes.