SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Making a Strongyloides Case for Infectious Uveitis

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This case describes an 87-year-old man from Honduras, a farmer with a history of bilateral cataract surgery 18 months earlier, who developed progressively worsening bilateral vision loss and eye pain over three months. The report focuses on infectious uveitis, specifically presumed parasitic uveitis, and highlights the importance of considering Strongyloides or other parasitic causes in patients with compatible epidemiologic risk factors.<br /><br />The discussion emphasizes that loss of vision is a major complication of uveitis regardless of cause, and that infectious etiologies must remain high on the differential diagnosis because early treatment can improve outcomes. In parasitic ocular disease such as diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN), diagnosis can be difficult because direct visualization of the parasite is often not possible. Worms are visible on fundoscopy in only about 30–40% of cases, and definitive identification may require serology or aqueous sampling.<br /><br />The patient’s outcome improved after receiving antiparasitic medication, helping prevent potential permanent vision loss. This underscores the value of early serologic testing for infectious causes of uveitis to guide timely therapy and reduce progression of ocular damage. The case reinforces the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for parasitic infection, especially in patients from endemic regions or with relevant exposure history.

Asset Subtitle

Alexander Liles

Meta Tag

Author List Alexander Liles, Alynna Knaub, Jody P. King, Kirk Tran

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Uveitis

Concept Vision Loss

Concept Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis

Concept Parasitic infection

Concept Infectious Cause

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Eastern Virginia Medical School Internal Medicine

Presenting Author Alexander Liles

Track Adult

Keywords

infectious uveitis

parasitic uveitis

Strongyloides

vision loss

eye pain

cataract surgery

diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis

serologic testing

antiparasitic medication

endemic regions

Uveitis

Vision Loss

Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis

Parasitic infection

Infectious Cause