Ocular and orbital cysticercosis.

PURPOSE: To study the demographic factors, clinical diagnosis, results of investigation, modalities of treatment and their outcome in ocular and extraocular cysticercosis.

METHOD: A total of 20 patients were recruited for the study. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were done for all the patients. Serial ultrasound was obtained in patients receiving medical treatment. Therapy was individualized according to the location of the cyst.

RESULTS: The commonest clinical presentation was proptosis (9 of 20) with restriction of ocular movements, followed by subconjunctival cyst, subretinal cyst, papilloedema, atypical optic neuritis, lid nodule and intraretinal cyst. Ultrasonography was comparable with computed tomographic scan for detection of scolex. Two of the twenty patients had associated cysts in the brain parenchyma. Medical or surgical therapy as indicated, had a satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSION: Cysticerci can lodge themselves in any part of the ocular and extra ocular tissue. Associated brain parenchyma involvement is quite rare. The clinical presentation, treatment and outcome mainly depends on the location of the cyst.