Metastatic neuroendocrine tumor masquerading as orbital cysticercosis

Neuroradiol J. 2023 Apr;36(2):229-231. doi: 10.1177/19714009221124305. Epub 2022 Aug 31.

Abstract

Orbital metastases secondary to neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old female initially presenting with fever, chills, periorbital swelling, and painful proptosis. CT orbits revealed two ovoid-shaped ring-enhancing lesions in the right lateral and superior rectus muscles and clear sinuses, atypical for infectious post-septal cellulitis. Further work-up included serologic analysis, auto-immune panel, and MRI. Further imaging showed pseudocystic orbital lesions mimicking orbital cysticercosis. Additionally, given the bilateral nature of the lesions and patient's country of origin, this parasitic process was highly suspected. A course of albendazole and steroids led to resolution of symptoms. With a presentation at age 30, this is by far the youngest case reported in literature to date.

Keywords: carcinoid; metastasis; neuroendocrine; orbital; proptosis; tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Albendazole
  • Cysticercosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cysticercosis* / parasitology
  • Exophthalmos* / diagnosis
  • Exophthalmos* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Neoplasms* / secondary

Substances

  • Albendazole