Panuveitis as the initial manifestation of neurocysticercosis – A rare case report

Ocular cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by Cysticercus cellulosae , presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in endemic regions like India. Cysticercosis is a curable and preventable systemic disease, although it carries a risk of irreversible blindness if the inflammation is left untreated. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with progressive painful vision loss in the right eye associated with headache and seizures. Intravitreal cystic lesions, profuse vitritis, and retinal detachment were noted, and the diagnosis was confirmed through imaging, stool microscopy, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cysticercal antigens. Management involved a multidisciplinary approach with systemic corticosteroids, antiparasitic therapy and surgical removal of the cyst via pars plana vitrectomy. Postoperative care resulted in partial visual recovery and reduced inflammation. This case highlights the integral role of ophthalmologists as the first point of contact, placing them in a critical position to initiate early intervention and profoundly impact the outcome of life-threatening neurocysticercosis.