Intraocular cysticercosis
K. H. Messner and W. S. Kammerer
Two intravitreal Taenia cysts were removed intact by pars plana vitrectomy
from a 59-year-old woman who had never left the continental United States.
The intraocular course of the cysts progressed from an initial
chorioretinal location, accompanied by an intense focal inflammatory
reaction, to free floating in the vitreous cavity within two months;
thereafter, there was only a low-grade vitritis for an additional five
months until removal. Light and electron microscopic studies suggested
Cysticercus cellulosae as the infecting agent, although mature hooklets
were absent. Local pork products were considered to be the source of the
infection. Preretinal fibrosis and posterior subcapsular vacuoles were the
final residua and did not progress after removal of the cysts. Although
uncommon in the United States, cysticercosis should be considered in cases
of focal necrotizing chorioretinitis.
