Intraocular cysticercosis: case series and comprehensive review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the demographics and clinical characteristics in patients with intraocular cysticercosis.

Methods: Retrospective case series and comprehensive literature review.

Results: Intraocular cysticercosis was diagnosed in 21 of 21,079 patients (0.10%) seen by the uveitis service at Aravind Eye Hospital. At presentation, visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 14 eyes (63.6%). Inflammation was unilateral in all but one patient (95.2%). The cyst was located in the vitreous cavity in 36.4% of eyes and in the subretinal space in 63.6% of eyes. In the literature review, most patients were affected unilaterally (98.5%); visual acuity at presentation was 20/200 or worse in 82.3% of eyes; and the cyst was located in the vitreous cavity in 59.5% of eyes.

Conclusions: Intraocular cysticercosis usually affects young patients unilaterally. The cyst may be in either the vitreous cavity or the subretinal space, and visual acuity at presentation is often poor.