Purpose: To highlight the different presentations of extraocular muscle cys
ticercosis, which can result in acquired ocular motility disorders.
Methods: Ten cases of acquired motility disorders examined between January
1998 and January 1999 were diagnosed as extraocular muscle cysticercosis wi
th computed tomography (CT). All patients were treated with corticosteroid
therapy and albendazole. Repeat CT scans were performed in 5 patients.
Results: The inferior rectus muscle was most commonly affected with double
elevator palsy the most common clinical presentation. Response to treatment
was satisfactory with complete resolution of the ocular motility disorder
in 8 patients. Initiating therapy with corticosteroids prior to the additio
n of cysticidal drugs prevented severe inflammatory reactions and residual
strabismus.
Conclusion: A high index of suspicion should be entertained for extraocular
muscle cysticercosis in every case of recent acquired ocular motility diso
rder. Response to medical therapy is satisfactory.