Submacular Parasite Masquerading as Posterior Pole Granuloma
Jatinder Singh1, Rajbir Singh2
1Aravind Eye Hospital & Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, 1 Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020, India.
Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine
|July 17, 2015
Summary
Ocular cysticercosis, a parasitic eye infection, can cause vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment with medication like albendazole and prednisolone can effectively manage the condition and improve vision.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ocular parasitosis can lead to severe vision impairment due to retinal damage.
- Current treatments include surgical removal or laser photocoagulation, which may cause collateral damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of subretinal cysticercosis presenting as a macular lesion.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of imaging and serology.
- To evaluate the efficacy of medical management.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 24-year-old Indian woman with sudden vision loss.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed a macular lesion with hemorrhage and detachment.
- Diagnostic tools included fluorescein angiography, B-scan ultrasonography, and serological testing for anti-cysticercus antibodies.
Main Results:
- A parasite was visible within a subretinal lesion.
- Imaging showed a highly reflective subretinal lesion with characteristic ultrasonographic features.
- Serology confirmed the presence of anti-cysticercus IgM antibodies.
- Medical treatment with prednisolone and albendazole led to lesion resolution and improved visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- A non-cystic form of subretinal cysticercosis was diagnosed.
- B-scan ultrasonography and serological tests are valuable in diagnosing ocular cysticercosis.
- Medical management can be effective in treating ocular cysticercosis, leading to visual recovery.
