Minimally invasive bone-saving orbitotomy for removal of optic nerve cysticercosis

Abstract

A 32-year-old man previously being managed for multiple neurocysticercosis presented with a reduction in vision and pain on eye movement. Fundus examination revealed disc edema with venous dilatation. MRI showed a localized hypointensity on T1 weighted images and hyperintensity on T2 weighted images suggestive of a cyst in the optic nerve sheath. Medical therapy with albendazole and steroids did not improve vision. Surgical removal of the cyst was achieved by a modified lateral orbital exploration using a lateral canthal incision without bone removal, with full recovery of vision. Histopathological examination confirmed cysticercosis.

Keywords: Bone-saving orbitomoty; neurocysticercosis; optic nerve cysticercosis; orbitotomy.