Ultrasound Biomicroscopy for the Detection and Characterization of Anterior Segment Cysticercosis

Ocular cysticercosis, caused by Taenia solium larvae, presents significant public health challenges, especially in regions with poor sanitation. Traditional imaging techniques often fail to detect anterior segment cysticercosis accurately, necessitating the exploration of more advanced diagnostic modalities like Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM).

A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 18 eyes from 14 patients with cysticercosis involving the anterior segment. UBM imaging was performed using a Sonomed VuMax HD ultrasound biomicroscopy machine with a 50 MHz probe.

In the study, 18 eyes from 18 patients were analyzed, revealing 12 cases of conjunctival cysticercosis, 4 of anterior chamber cysticercosis, and 2 of iris cysticercosis. Patients averaged 37.89 (± 16.2) years, with a male predominance. Conjunctival cysts appeared as clear masses, occasionally eliciting inflammatory reactions. Iris involvement caused thinning near the angle, while anterior chamber cysts could displace the lens, leading to iris bombe in some instances.

UBM emerges as a valuable diagnostic tool for anterior segment cysticercosis, providing detailed imaging superior to traditional methods. Its cost-effectiveness and accessibility make it particularly valuable, especially in resource-constrained settings. Future research should focus on validating UBM's diagnostic accuracy and exploring its role in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.