Retina: ocular cysticercosis: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Retina: ocular cysticercosis

Sample item

A 25-year-old from a rural area who has had seizures presents with blurred vision. Fundus examination shows a translucent subretinal cyst with an eccentric white spot that undulates slowly. Which parasite is responsible?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Taenia solium larva

Intraocular cysticercosis is the larval stage of Taenia solium, appearing as a translucent cyst with a white scolex that may move. It commonly occurs with neurocysticercosis, and surgical removal by vitrectomy is generally preferred for intravitreal cysts.

Option by option

  • A. Toxocara canis

    Toxocara causes a granuloma or endophthalmitis in children, not a cyst with a scolex.

  • B. Echinococcus granulosus

    Echinococcus produces hydatid cysts, which are rare in the eye and lack a scolex that undulates in a clear cyst.

  • C. Taenia solium larva (correct)

    Correct. A translucent cyst with a mobile scolex is the larva of Taenia solium.

  • D. Toxoplasma gondii

    Toxoplasma causes a necrotising retinochoroiditis next to an old scar.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Taenia solium larva. Intraocular cysticercosis is the larval stage of Taenia solium, appearing as a translucent cyst with a white scolex that may move.

Why is "Toxocara canis" not the answer?

Toxocara causes a granuloma or endophthalmitis in children, not a cyst with a scolex.

Why is "Echinococcus granulosus" not the answer?

Echinococcus produces hydatid cysts, which are rare in the eye and lack a scolex that undulates in a clear cyst.

Why is "Toxoplasma gondii" not the answer?

Toxoplasma causes a necrotising retinochoroiditis next to an old scar.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retina: ocular cysticercosis in Ophthalmology. It commonly occurs with neurocysticercosis, and surgical removal by vitrectomy is generally preferred for intravitreal cysts.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Retina: ocular cysticercosis?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.