Intravitreal Cysticercosis
Abstract
Purpose
To describe a very interesting vitrectomy in a case of intravitreal cysticercosis.
Setting
Cysticercosis is the most common ocular helminthic infection in man.
Methods
A 14 year old Brazilian girl complained of blurred vision in her right eye over the past 6 months. During this period she had several episodes of hyperaemia. Visual acuity in the right eye was hand motion and in the left eye 20/20. The intraocular pressure was normal. Fundus examination of the left eye was normal. Fundus examination of the right eye showed a floating cyst in the vitreous cavity.
Results
The patient underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy without any complications. Perfluorocarbon liquid was used to facilitate the removal of the cyst in the vitreous cavity. Laser photocoagulation was carried out around the retinal break, followed by silicone oil implantation. Light and electron microscopic studies suggested Cysticercus cellulosae as the infecting agent.
Conclusions
The complete and active aspiration of the Cysticercus Cellulosae in the vitreous cavity was very interesting and efficient. We believe that the success of the surgery was due to the fact that the cyst was removed intact by pars plana vitrectomy.
