Disseminated cysticercosis with multiple bilateral orbital cysts

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Cysticercosis is a parasitic tissue infection caused by the larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium.
• Orbital involvement in cysticercosis can lead to significant visual impairment and facial disfigurement.
• Disseminated cysticercosis typically affects the central nervous system, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues.

Observation:

• Two cases of disseminated cysticercosis are presented with extensive involvement of both orbits.
• Patients exhibited widespread subcutaneous and muscular involvement of the head, face, and neck.
• No overt signs of orbital infection were initially present in either case.

Findings:

• The cases demonstrate severe, bilateral orbital cysticercosis in the context of disseminated disease.
• This represents, to the authors' knowledge, the most extensive orbital involvement ever reported in cysticercosis.
• The study highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by asymptomatic, yet severe, orbital pathology.

Implications:

• These findings underscore the importance of considering orbital cysticercosis in patients with disseminated disease, even without apparent ocular symptoms.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of orbital cysticercosis is crucial for preventing vision loss and managing disseminated infections.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of extensive orbital involvement in cysticercosis.