Intravitreal Angiostrongylus cantonensis: first case report in South America.

Abstract

This study reports the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America treated with posterior worm removal via pars plana vitrectomy. This was a retrospective, observational case study. Data from medical charts, wide-field digital imaging, ocular ultrasound, and visual evoked potential studies were reviewed. A 20-month-old boy presented with eosinophilic meningitis and right eye exotropia. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid showed a positive result for Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Fundus examination revealed a pale optic disc, subretinal tracks, vitreous opacities, peripheral tractional retinal detachment, and a dead worm in the vitreous cavity. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy with worm removal. This case report illustrates the first case of intravitreal angiostrongyliasis in South America, possibly related to the uncontrolled spread of an exotic invasive species of snail.

• Authors: Gabriel Costa de Andrade, João Rafael de Oliveira Dias, André Maia, Liliane de Almeida Kanecadan, Nilva Simeren Bueno Moraes, Rubens Belfort Junior, Jade Marie Edenvirg Lasiste, Miguel N Burnier
• Journal: Arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia (Arq Bras Oftalmol) 2018 Jan-Feb Vol. 81 Issue 1 Pg. 63-65 ISSN: 1678-2925 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 29538597 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)

Topics

• Angiostrongylus cantonensis (isolation & purification)
• Animals
• Brazil
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Retinal Detachment (diagnostic imaging, parasitology)
• Strongylida Infections (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography
• Vitrectomy (methods)
• Vitreous Body (diagnostic imaging, parasitology)