Acute suppurative dacryoadenitis caused by a cysticercus cellulosa

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute dacryoadenitis, inflammation of the lacrimal gland, typically presents with pain and swelling.
• Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval cysts of the tapeworm Taenia solium, can affect various organs, including the eye and its adnexa.

Observation:

• A case of acute suppurative dacryoadenitis in a 20-year-old male was attributed to cysticercus cellulosa.
• The diagnosis was confirmed via histopathologic examination of an intact larva found within a cyst that discharged with pus during abscess drainage.
• The abscess was localized to the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland, with no other signs of cysticercosis in the eyes or body.

Findings:

• The presence of an intact cysticercus cellulosa larva induced acute inflammation, leading to abscess formation in the lacrimal gland.
• Histopathological confirmation of the parasite was crucial for establishing the diagnosis.
• The patient experienced an uneventful recovery with no lasting complications.

Implications:

• This case represents the first reported instance of acute dacryoadenitis caused by cysticercus cellulosa.
• Ophthalmologists and clinicians should consider cysticercosis in the differential diagnosis of ocular and adnexal lesions, particularly in patients from regions where the disease is prevalent.
• Early recognition and appropriate management are essential to prevent potential sequelae of ocular cysticercosis.