Successful Nonsurgical Management Of Extraocular Cysticercosis In A Young Patient – A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by Taenia solium, a cestode or tapeworm that preferentially affects the subcutaneous tissue, brain, muscle, and the eye. Humans become accidental intermediate hosts when they ingest raw or uncooked pork. In general, cysticerci preferentially infests subcutaneous tissue (24.5%), brain (13.6%), and the eyes (10.8%), a function of these tissue’s high vascularity. Ocular cysticercosis may be extraocular (in the subconjunctival or orbital tissues) or intraocular (in the vitreous, subretinal space or anterior chamber). If the condition is misdiagnosed or left untreated can lead to blindness or spread to vital organs. Cysticercosis is a preventable cause of blindness.  In this article we present a case report of an 8-year-old child who was diagnosed with extraocular cysticercosis of right lower eyelid. After a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation his condition was managed with oral antihelminthics and steroids. Non-surgical management of ocular cysticercosis especially in young children is highly recommended to prevent spread of infection to other vital organs especially the brain which can be fatal.