Necrotizing retinitis induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To describe a case of bilateral necrotizing retinitis induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

DESIGN:

Interventional case report.

METHODS:

A 52-year-old Asian woman developed eosinophilic meningitis after eating several undercooked snails. One week later, sudden onset of vision loss was noted in both eyes. Widespread yellow retinal exudates were accompanied by bullous retinal detachment in both eyes.

RESULTS:

Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection was confirmed by positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and a positive Western blot test of the subretinal fluid. After treatment with mebendazole, levamisole, and corticosteroid, these necrotizing patches regressed gradually. However, the final visual acuity was no light perception.

CONCLUSIONS:

Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection should be considered as one of the causes of necrotizing retinitis.

• Authors: I-Hsien Liu, Yu-Mei Chung, Shih-Jen Chen, Wen-Long Cho
• Journal: American journal of ophthalmology (Am J Ophthalmol) Vol. 141 Issue 3 Pg. 577-9 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 0002-9394 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16490516 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Helminth
• Antinematodal Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Levamisole
• Mebendazole

Topics

• Angiostrongylus cantonensis (immunology, isolation & purification)
• Animals
• Antibodies, Helminth (blood, cerebrospinal fluid)
• Antinematodal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Blotting, Western
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Eosinophilia (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Eye Infections, Parasitic (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Levamisole (therapeutic use)
• Mebendazole (therapeutic use)
• Meningitis (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Middle Aged
• Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)
• Strongylida Infections (diagnosis, drug therapy, parasitology)