Three-dimensional spectral domain optical coherence tomography and light microscopy of an intravitreal parasite

Ocular Gnathostomiasis-Update of Earlier Survey

Ocular gnathostomiasis is rather a rare food-borne zoonosis caused by infection with the larvae of several species of genus Gnathostoma and is a representative ocular larva migrans syndrome. In our previous literature survey, we found 73 cases of ocular gnathostomiasis reported up to and including 2009, though additional sporadic cases have been reported in Asia and the Americas since that report. Here, we review 10 additional cases reported since 2010, and also update current findings regarding epidemiological and clinical features in affected patients.

A case of ophthalmomyiasis interna in the Pacific Northwest

PURPOSE

We report a case of ophthalmomyiasis interna successfully removed in toto with pars plana vitrectomy.

OBSERVATIONS

An 84-year-old woman with recent close contact with lambs presented with a new floater. Examination revealed subretinal tracks pathognomonic for ophthalmomyiasis and a larva suspended in the vitreous. The larva was successfully removed in toto with pars plana vitrectomy by aspiration through the vitreous cutter.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Aspiration with pars plana vitrectomy can be considered a primary therapeutic modality for botfly larvae suspended in the vitreous. In our case, in toto removal of the larvae reduced the risk of inflammatory reaction.