Suprasellar cysticercosis cyst with optic nerve compression masquerading as an arachnoid cyst

Aaron Musara, Nyarai Soko, Sharai ShamuMiddle East African Journal of Ophthalmology 2019 26(2):114-116 Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of the cestode Taenia solium. Ocular parasitosis in humans is well recognized; however, cysticercosis of the optic nerve is rare. Here, we report a case of an adult male who presented with right-sided headache and a gradual loss of vision in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography indicated severe loss of ganglion cells in the right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a predominantly suprasellar cystic lesion thought to represent an arachnoid cyst. We performed a craniotomy to excise the cyst. Histopathological examination of the excised cyst revealed internal living larvae of T. soilum. After co-administration of praziquantel and albendazole, vision was restored, and the headaches ceased. Vision has since been restored in both eyes. A higher degree of neurocysticercosis suspicion should be maintained for patients living in endemic areas who present with ophthalmic symptoms where the brain scans show cystic lesions.
Source: Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Source Type: research