Abstract
Purpose:
To report the occurrence of optic neuritis following oral albendazole therapy for orbital cysticercosis.
Methods:
Two patients having definitively diagnosed orbital cysticercosis at the orbital apex developed an acute visual loss 1 week after initiation of oral albendazole. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging determined that the cause was optic neuritis due to disorganization of the cyst with inflammation of the adjacent optic nerve.
Results:
Oral corticosteroids (prednisolone 1 mg/kg per day) given for a period of 4 weeks led to resolution of the optic neuritis, with full visual recovery.
Conclusion:
Corticosteroids should be given in addition to albendazole in the treatment of orbital cysticercosis when cysts are in close proximity to the optic nerve.
MeSH terms
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Administration, Oral
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Adult
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Albendazole / administration & dosage
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Albendazole / adverse effects*
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Animals
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Antibodies, Helminth / analysis
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Anticestodal Agents / administration & dosage
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Anticestodal Agents / adverse effects*
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Cysticercosis / diagnosis
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Cysticercosis / drug therapy*
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Cysticercosis / parasitology
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Cysticercus / immunology
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Eye Infections, Parasitic / diagnosis
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Eye Infections, Parasitic / drug therapy*
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Eye Infections, Parasitic / parasitology
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Follow-Up Studies
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Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
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Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Optic Neuritis / chemically induced*
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Optic Neuritis / diagnosis
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Optic Neuritis / drug therapy
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Orbital Diseases / diagnosis
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Orbital Diseases / drug therapy*
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Orbital Diseases / parasitology
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Prednisolone / administration & dosage
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Prednisolone / therapeutic use
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Visual Acuity
Substances
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Antibodies, Helminth
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Anticestodal Agents
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Glucocorticoids
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Prednisolone
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Albendazole