Clinicopathological study of parasitic lesions of the eye and ocular adnexa in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in South India

Purpose: To study clinical and pathological features of parasitic lesions in the ocular adnexa in a tertiary care ophthalmic center in south India. Methods: 43 cases of ocular parasitosis were analysed clinically and correlated with the pathological findings (gross morphology and histopathology) over a period of five years (2015–2020). Results: Among the 43 cases, the age group ranged from 9 months to 78 years (mean age of 41.6 years). Female patients were more common than male patients, with a percentage of 63% (27) and 37% (16) respectively. Cystic lesion in the lid or orbit was seen in 23 cases (53.4%); solid mass lesions were seen in 17 cases (39.5%); subconjunctival worms in three cases; and subretinal parasite in one. Gross examination and histopathologic study showed Dirofilaria in 23 cases (53.5%), followed by Cysticercus in six cases (14%) and Microfilariae in four cases (9.3%). Exact species identification was not possible in ten cases (23.25%). Correlation between the type of lesion and type of inflammatory cells with the specific parasite was done. Conclusion: Our study showed that important clinicopathological correlations can be made from the parasitic lesions in the eye and adnexa, which can aid in definitive diagnosis and prompt identification of the parasite for patient management

Linguatula serrata in the anterior chamber of the eye.

We report a case of intraocular Linguatula in healthy young female who presented with a history of trivial trauma, dislocated lens, inflammation and secondary glaucoma. A mobile worm was seen in the anterior chamber. Pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy was planned to remove both the cataractous lens and the parasite during which the worm disappeared from view but was later recovered from the cassette fluid. It was identified as the nymphal form of Linguatula serrata (tongue worm).

Preoperative risk factors and incidence of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty.

Glaucoma following penetrating keratoplasty is one of the serious complications due to its frequency of occurrence, difficulty in diagnosis and management, risk of graft failure and irreversible visual loss due to optic nerve damage. The incidence of glaucoma after keratoplasty varies from 9% to 31% in the early postoperative period and from 18 to 35% in the late postoperative period. The aetiology of this disorder is multifactorial and the clear understanding of the various mechanisms that operate during different time frames following penetrating keratoplasty is essential to chalk out the appropriate management algorithms. Methods: Prospective analysis of 100 consecutive eyes which underwent penetrating keratoplasty during the period from September 2009 to December 2010 at Bangalore West Lions super speciality eye hospital was done. The patients were followed up for a minimum period of 9 months. Results: Out of 100 patients mean age distribution was 47 ± 11 years. Of the 100 patients male 68% and 32 female (32%). Out of 100 eyes 38% of them had vision <6/60, 36% of them had vision between 6//36-6/18 and 26% of them between 6/18-6/6. Raised intraocular pressure was found in 15 out of 100 eyes. Mean raise in intraocular pressure was 29 mmHg ± 1.5 mmHg. Out of 15 patients 4 were steroid responders. Mean time of diagnosis of raised intraocular pressure was 5 ± 9.5 months. Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy (PBK) in 5 (33.3%) patients, aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) in 3 (20%) patients, graft rejection in 2 (13.3%) patients and one each patient (6.7%) of corneal scar, adherent leucoma, chemical injury and congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy. Aphakic group was at higher risk compared to the other groups and there was not much difference between the phakic and the pseudophakic group. Conclusions: Post penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma continues to be a clinical problem that can be sight threatening in its clinical outcome. It is mandatory that intraocular pressure is monitored on a regular basis. Recognition of the risk factors namely, indications, graft size, lenticular status & associated surgical procedure with penetrating keratoplasty would help in early diagnosis of post penetrating keratoplasty glaucoma. Most of these cases are amenable to medical management.

Oral Myiasis: Case report.

Oral myiasis is a rare disease caused by larvae of dipteran flies. Houseflies are strongly suspected of transmitting at least 65 diseases to humans, including typhoid fever, dysentery and cholera. Flies regurgitate and excrete wherever they come to rest and thereby mechanically are the root cause for disease organisms. A case of oral myiasis caused by Chrysomya bezziana in the maxillary anterior region in a 40‑year‑old patient is presented. Manual removal of maggots, and surgical debridement of wound was done followed by broad‑spectrum anti‑parasitic medications. A note on the identification of the larva and histopathology of the tissue is also highlighted here.

Multiple live subconjunctival dipetalonema: Report of a case.

Parasitic infestations of the eye have been reported since centuries, affecting various parts of the eye. Some are subtle, coexisting with vision, while many others damage and destroy, in part or totally, the gift of sight. This report describes a patient with live subconjunctival dipetalonema infestation of the right eye, with 22 parasites removed live in one sitting from one eye.

Small bowel metastases from esophageal and oropharyngeal cancers.

Intestinal metastases are uncommon. Lungs and skin are the common sites of primary tumor. We report two men (52- and 67-year-old) with small bowel metastases from esophageal and oropharyngeal carcinomas.

Severe falciparum malarial complications in Ukhrul, Manipur.

Development of complications is very common among the patients suffering from Plasmodium falciparum infection. A total of 64 patients of Plasmodium falciprum infections were admitted to the District Hospital, Ukhrul, during the period of 1st May 1996 to 15th June 1999; 9.37% patients do not develop complication while the rest 90.63% developed one or more complications. The most common complication is anaemia accounting for 76.56% followed by cerebral malaria (59.38%). Other lesser complications were leucopenia (15.63%), thrombocytopenia (26.56%), adult respiratory distress syndrome (6.25%). There is no single record of blackwater fever, 12.5% died due to development of multiple complications like severe haemolytic anaemia, haemolytic jaundice, cerebral malaria and acute renal failure. This study confirms presence of severe and complicated falciparum malaria in this part of the country.