To Study Presentation of Ocular Cysticercosis and Evaluate Its Demographic Data, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcome in a Hill Population of Northern India

Aim: To study presentation of ocular cysticercosis and to evaluate its demographic data, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in hill population of Northern India. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in Dehradun, Uttarakhand in a tertiary eye care hospital over 4 years from 2016-2020. The study involved 38 patients who presented with unilateral eye disease and were diagnosed to have ocular or adenexal cysticercosis. We analysed retrospectively their geographical data, clinical presentation, serology, imaging, response to treatment and clinical outcome. Results: Age of patients ranged from 16-54 years. Male to female ratio was 1:3.75. Total no. of eyes affected were 38. All were unilateral presentation. 30 eyes (78.94%) presented with extraocular cysticercosis and 8 eyes (21.05%) with intraocular cysticercosis. 27 of the patients (71.05%) were from lower socioeconomic status with poor hygiene and sanitation conditions. 32 (89.21%) patients gave history of association with non-vegetarian diet. Extraocular cysticercosis group had restriction of ocular motility as most prevalent presentation seen in 16 eyes (53.33%) and proptosis as the most prevalent sign seen in 17 eyes (56.66%). Cyst prevalence was most frequently detected in superior rectus muscle seen in 14 eyes (53.84%). Intraocular cysticercosis group had blurring of vision as the most prevalent presenting symptom in 8 eyes (100.0%). Panuveitis in 6 eyes (75%) and presence of subretinal cyst in 4 eyes (50%) was the most prevalent sign seen in intraocular cysticercosis group. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test confirmed serology in 35 cases (92.10%). The USG B-scan detected presence of scolex in 36 eyes (94.73%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed deep seated extraocular cysticercosis lesions and neurocysticercosis (NCC) undetected by computerized tomography (CT). CT was diagnostic for NCC in 5 cases (13.15%). Oral Albendazole and prednisolone were successful in management of extraocular cysticercosis. Intraocular cysticercosis was treated well with pars plana vitrectomy surgery with good visual recovery. Conclusion: Extraocular cysticercosis was more prevalent than intraocular cysticercosis. Early diagnosis and treatment made a difference in final outcome of the two groups. Imaging studies of orbital B-scan ultrasonography (USG B scan), CT and MRI with immune serological test of enzyme linked immunosorbet assay (ELISA) and Western blot for anticysticercus antibodies helped in confirming the diagnosis. Extraocular cysticercosis can be managed well medically with good clinical outcome. Intraocular cysticercosisis is best treated surgically. Safer and modern vitreoretinal surgical techniques promise good surgical outcome and visual recovery. Timely intervention and frequent postoperative follow up would help in keeping a watch on development of complications and maintenance of good vision.