Nematode ophthalmia syndrome (visceral larva migrans syndrome; toxocariasis)

General: Usually found in children; invasion by larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati of viscera and eyes; pronounced eosinophilia; as many as 30% of asymptomatic children demonstrate serologic evidence of prior Toxocara infestations.

Ocular: Leukocoria; uveitis; cataract; marked vitreous reaction with large floaters; choroiditis; large, cystlike white masses extending into vitreous; optic neuritis; papillitis; strabismus; hemorrhagic, exudative, or granulomatous retinitis; retinal detachment; endophthalmitis; larvae present in the cornea.

Clinical: Hepatosplenomegaly; pulmonary infiltration; fever; cough; lack of appetite.

Biglan AW, et al. Serum and vitreous Toxocara antibody in nematode endophthalmitis. Am J Ophthalmol 1979; 88: 898,901.

Fraunfelder FT, Roy FH. Current Ocular Therapy, 5th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2000.

Maguire AM, et al. Recovery of intraocular Toxocara Canis by pars a vitrectomy. Ophthalmology 1990; 97: 675-680.

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Wilder HC. Nematode endophthalmitis. Trans Am Acad Ophthalmol Otolaryngol 1950; 55:99.

Wilkinson C. Ocular toxocariasis. In: Ryan SJ, ed. Retina, vol. II, 2nd ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1994:1545-l552.