Case of Orbital Cysticercosis Presenting as Recurrent Cellulitis Diagnosed on Multi-Modality Imaging

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Cysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium.
• It commonly affects the brain, eyes, spine, and muscles.
• Orbital adnexa involvement is infrequent, and solitary extraocular muscle involvement is rare.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a two-year history of recurrent eyelid swelling.
• Symptoms included intermittent double vision and restricted downward gaze.
• The presentation mimicked non-specific orbital inflammation.

Findings:

• The case involved cysticercosis affecting a solitary extraocular muscle: the left superior rectus.
• Diagnosis was challenging due to the non-specific symptoms.
• Ocular and orbital adnexa involvement requires careful evaluation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in orbital diseases.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of orbital cysticercosis are crucial.
• Increased awareness can improve diagnostic accuracy for rare presentations.