Diagnostic Aspects and Retinal Imaging in Ocular Toxocariasis: A Case Report from Italy

Toxocara canis is a nematode parasite, commonly found in dogs. This roundworm parasite can invade the eye, causing visual impairment. Toxocara should be considered as a possible causative agent of posterior and diffuse uveitis, and it could be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinoblasto...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Onelia Verallo, Serena Fragiotta, Francesca Verboschi, Enzo Maria Vingolo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2012-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Medicine
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/984512
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Summary:Toxocara canis is a nematode parasite, commonly found in dogs. This roundworm parasite can invade the eye, causing visual impairment. Toxocara should be considered as a possible causative agent of posterior and diffuse uveitis, and it could be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Ocular manifestations vary from severe endophthalmitis to silent incidental findings on a routine examination. We report a case of ocular toxocariasis in a 24-year-old Asiatic female that presented to us complaining of visual impairment. Fundoscopic examination revealed a posterior pole granuloma and exudative retinal detachment along with exudates. Presentation, clinical findings, morphological changes, and treatment are discussed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serology for Toxocara canis was performed, demonstrating the positivity for IgG and IgE. Treatment with the antihelminthic albendazole was initiated. Fluorescein angiography (FA; HRA 2, Heidelberg engineering) and optical coherence tomography (OCT; Spectralis, Heidelberg tomography) were performed, and results have been reported.
ISSN:1687-9627
1687-9635