Case of retinochoroiditis associated with porcine ascarids diagnosed by antibodies in subretinal fluid

To determine the cause of retinochorioditis in a patient with a granulomatous retinal exudate and an exudative retinal detachment.

A 45-year-old man presented at another hospital with increased visual disturbances of the left eye. He was diagnosed with uveitis, and treated with topical steroids for 1 month. However, the uveitis worsened, and he was referred to our hospital. Ophthalmoscopy showed a yellowish-white granulomatous exudate, and an exudative retinal detachment in the lower peripheral retina. The retinal detachment worsened and affected the macula. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the retina was reattached. During the surgery, ocular samples were collected for further examinations. The titers of antibodies against 12 kinds of ascaridis were examined, and elevated titers of specific antibodies against porcine ascarids were detected in the subretinal fluid, but not in the aqueous humor, vitreous, or serum.

Vitrectomy with the collection of ocular samples, especially subretinal fluid, was a key procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of retinochoroiditis associated with the porcine ascarids.