Intraocular cysticercosis: case series and comprehensive review of the literature

Intraocular twin cysticercosis

A 20-year-old vegetarian male presented with a history of painful diminution of vision in the right eye for the past month. The patient had dense vitritis. B-scan ultrasonography (USG) revealed two cysts with scolices, one subretinally along with retinal detachment and another one in vitreous cavity. Orbital USG revealed no cystic lesions in the orbit or extraocular muscle. He underwent 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy. Both intravitreal and subretinal cysts were cut and aspirated using cutter and removed from the eye, and silicon oil was injected. Postoperatively he was started on oral steroids and advised to maintain prone positioning for two weeks. At two months his best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the right eye was 20/125 with silicon oil in situ.

Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Ocular Cysticercosis: A Review of Literature With Observer Variation

Ocular cysticercosis is a sparsely reported condition, requiring urgent management. The gold standard for diagnosis is an in toto extraction of the cyst with subsequent histopathology. The procedure can be demanding in contrast to the frequently adopted practice of in vivo cyst lysis. The latter, however, obviates a conventional biopsy. We reviewed published optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of ocular cysticercosis for their suitability to surrogate a conventional biopsy and identified commonly reported features. We also used triple masking and ascertained the observer agreement on identification of these features. We found that the features of the parasite are much more clearly discernible as compared with features of the involved ocular tissue itself. The hyperreflective cyst wall and scolex and the hyporeflective cyst cavity had the highest frequency and observer agreement among all the analyzed features, suggesting their use for diagnosis. We could match many of the OCT features with the previously reported histopathological findings, supporting the role of OCT as a diagnostic adjunct and a substitute for conventional biopsy. Conversely, features of the ocular tissue could be judged poorly with low observer agreement, suggesting poor prognostic ability of OCT. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:446-454.].

Delayed Pediatric Diagnosis of Cysticercosis and Uveitis Presenting as Chronic Multifocal Subretinal Fluid Blebs

Purpose:

To report an unusual case of intraocular cysticercosis in a 11-year-old boy that presented with chronic posterior uveitis and associated recalcitrant subfoveal and multifocal subretinal fluid blebs. The patient was later found to have a subsequent free-floating vitreous cyst that had been concealed from examination for years.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy and cyst extraction revealed eosinophilic material suggestive of cysticercosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed suggestive neurocysticercosis and serological titers for cysticercosis immunoglobulin G were positive. After antihelminthic therapy and surgical removal of the cyst, the patient did well with complete resolution of multifocal subretinal fluid blebs and visual acuity improvement to 20/25.

Conclusion:

Ocular cysticercosis is a sight-threatening parasitic disease that can cause visually threatening manifestations if not identified and treated in a timely manner. Awareness of atypical presentations such as seen in this case in a pediatric patient is paramount.

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.

Ocular cysticercosis at a teaching hospital in Northern India

BACKGROUND:

Ocular cysticercosis (OC) is common in tropical countries. This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation patterns, management and treatment outcomes of OC cases seen at a teaching hospital in North India.

METHODS:

This study took place between March 2014 and February 2019. A total of 36 patients with OC were analyzed to determine clinical presentation and outcomes.

RESULTS:

Of the 36 patients, 13 (36.11%) were male and 23 (63.89%) were female. The most frequently affected age group was 10–29 years (n = 22; 61.11%). All of the patients had unilateral lesions, with involvement of the left eye in 22 (61.11%) and the right in 14 (38.89%). The majority of cases were isolated to the ocular region; however, five (13.89%) demonstrated neural involvement as well. In terms of cyst location, 15 (41.67%) were orbital, 13 (36.11%) were subconjunctival and four each (11.11%) were intraocular or on the eyelid. The most common clinical presentations were subconjunctival masses or proptosis in 13 each (36.11%) and periorbital swelling in 12 (33.33%). Most patients received medical treatment (n – 23; 63.89%), while the others required surgical excision. Recurrence was noted in seven patients (19.44%), of which three underwent surgery while the rest were treated medically. Two patients (5.56%) developed phthisis.

Conclusions:

In this study, OC cysts were more often orbital or subconjunctival compared to findings reported from Western countries. In addition, a female preponderance was noted in contrast to previously reported findings. Advanced radioimaging is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Submacular cysticercosis in two cases: Course and outcome

Ocular manifestations due to cysticercosis may involve the vitreous cavity or subretinal space in the posterior segment of the eye. Management of subretinal cysticercosis is challenging, especially if it involves the submacular region. Removal of submacular cysticercosis (SMC) requires utmost care and competent expertise. In recent times, modern vitreo-retinal equipment has improved the outcome of SMC. On the contrary, untreated SMC run a high risk of spontaneous rupture, liberation of toxin from dying worm, and intense intraocular inflammation threatening vision eventually. In the present report, two cases of SMC were discussed who presented to us within a span of 1 week. We described the course of disease and final outcome in these two patients (one underwent surgical removal while other denied surgery) highlighting the urgent need of cyst removal in such scenarios.

Submacular Cysticercosis Successfully Treated through Conservative Management: Case Report

Appropriate medical management can be an alternative in those patients with submacular cysticercosis in whom achieving good visual outcome with vitreoretinal surgery is not possible. We report the case of a 25-year-old female who presented complaining of blurred vision in her left eye associated with photopsias and metamorphopsias of 3 months duration. Initial visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and 20/100 in the left eye. Upon indirect ophthalmoscopy in the left eye, a yellow-white, dome-shaped, elevated lesion with foveal involvement was observed. The rest of the ophthalmological examination proved normal. With clinical findings and images, submacular cysticercosis was diagnosed, and vitreoretinal surgery was suggested. Nevertheless, the patient did not accept the treatment; therefore, medical management was initiated. Central nervous system involvement was ruled out, and treatment with praziquantel and systemic prednisolone was initiated. Cysticercosis was resolved with significant improvement of her symptoms and visual acuity.

A rare case of giant subretinal migration of cysticercosis cyst with extensive epiretinal membrane and subretinal fibrosis

Cysticercosis is caused by cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form of pork tapeworm. In intraocular cysticercosis the cyst enters the subretinal space via the choroid and then gains entry into the vitreous cavity by piercing the retina. It is well established that the cyst can incite extensive intraocular inflammation. Other complications such as epiretinal membrane and cataract have been reported in the literature. Thus far, epiretinal membrane in intraocular cysticercosis has been reported at the site of entry of the cyst into the vitreous cavity. The data on the extent of epiretinal membrane is sparse. We report a rare case of migrating subretinal cysticercosis with extensive epiretinal membrane and subretinal fibrosis.

Submacular cysticercosis

Ocular cysticercosis could involve subconjunctival space, anterior chamber, extraocular muscle, subretinal space, or vitreous. The presence of intraocular live cyst is a potential threat to visual acuity. The removal of the cyst in-toto is thus of importance to prevent inflammatory reaction and ocular damage. The presence of cysticercosis underneath the macula makes the management challenging. Herein, we describe the management of a submacular live cysticercus cyst with a good postoperative gain in visual acuity. Also, the swept-source optical coherence tomography changes are described.

Revised diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis

BACKGROUND

A unified set of criteria for neurocysticercosis (NCC) has helped to standardize its diagnosis in different settings.

METHODS

Cysticercosis experts were convened to update current diagnostic criteria for NCC according to two principles: neuroimaging studies are essential for diagnosis, and all other information provides indirect evidence favoring the diagnosis. Recent diagnostic advances were incorporated to this revised set.

RESULTS

This revised set is structured in absolute, neuroimaging and clinical/exposure criteria. Absolute criteria include: histological confirmation of parasites, evidence of subretinal cysts, and demonstration of the scolex within a cyst. Neuroimaging criteria are categorized as major (cystic lesions without scolex, enhancing lesions, multilobulated cysts, and calcifications), confirmative (resolution of cysts after cysticidal drug therapy, spontaneous resolution of single enhancing lesions, and migrating ventricular cysts on sequential neuroimaging studies) and minor (hydrocephalus and leptomeningeal enhancement). Clinical/exposure criteria include: detection of anticysticercal antibodies or cysticercal antigens by well-standardized tests, systemic cysticercosis, evidence of a household Taenia carrier, suggestive clinical manifestations, and residency in endemic areas. Besides patients having absolute criteria, definitive diagnosis can be made in those having two major neuroimaging criteria (or one major plus one confirmative criteria) plus exposure. For patients presenting with one major and one minor neuroimaging criteria plus exposure, definitive diagnosis of NCC requires the exclusion of confounding pathologies. Probable diagnosis is reserved for individuals presenting with one neuroimaging criteria plus strong evidence of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

This revised set of diagnostic criteria provides simpler definitions and may facilitate its more uniform and widespread applicability in different scenarios.

Asymptomatic free-floating vitreous cyst masquerading as cysticercosis

A male patient aged 37 years, referred with the diagnosis of right eye intravitreal cysticercosis, was diagnosed as asymptomatic free-floating vitreous cyst after thorough evaluation. The patient was kept under observation, since baseline visual acuity was unaffected. No change was noted over the period of 6 months.

Submacular Parasite Masquerading as Posterior Pole Granuloma

Parasites enter the eye through hematogenous spread. The interaction with host immune system may result in its destruction but not without collateral damage to the vital retinal structures. Currently, the accepted treatment for ocular parasitosis is surgical removal or direct laser photocoagulation. A 24-year-old Indian woman presented with abrupt painless loss of vision to 5/300. A large yellow-white lesion centered at macula was observed with associated retinal and subretinal hemorrhage and neurosensory retinal detachment. A parasite was seen protruding at the center of the lesion. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated disc leakage and vessel wall staining. Ultrasonography demonstrated a highly reflective subretinal lesion with aftershadowing. Serological test was positive for anti-cysticercus (IgM) antibody. Treatment with prednisolone and albendazole resulted in resolution of the lesion within 2 months with improvement of visual acuity to 20/400. A noncystic form of subretinal cysticercosis is likely with suggestive B-scan ultrasonography and serological investigations.

A case of submacular cysticercosis treated by pars plana vitrectomy in Kuwait

We report a case of submacular cysticercosis in the left eye of an Indian patient living in Kuwait. Though he was systemically asymptomatic, his magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple cysts in the brain. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and the cyst was removed in total through a retinotomy over the cyst. He had another small cyst in the periphery that was also removed. He was treated with oral albendazole and systemic steroids after the surgery to treat his neurocysticercosis. He developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after the surgery, and the retina was successfully reattached with scleral buckling and PPV procedure. His final best corrected visual acuity improved from counting fingers at 1/2 m at presentation to 20/400. This case report shows that the ocular cysticercosis may be seen among expatriates working in the Middle East. It is important to rule out the presence of neurocysticercosis in such patients as well as multiple cysts in the affected eye. However, the functional outcome of surgical treatment of submacular cysticercosis can be disappointing.