Patterns of Clinical Ophthalmic Presentations in Children with Presumed Trematode-Induced Ocular Inflammation in Beni Suef, Egypt.

PURPOSE: To identify all possible ophthalmic presentations in children with Presumed trematode-induced uveitis, and determine their incidence in Beni Suef. Additionally, it explores potential correlations between ocular signs and demographic variables.

METHODS

The study is a retrospective, case series which was conducted in three phases. The first phase involved subject recruitment and demographic data collection. The second phase included a thorough general examination and laboratory workup. In the third phase, ophthalmological examination was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients (99 eyes) were included. 80 of them were males. The mean age was 11.1 ± 2.7 years. Unilateral ocular involvement was seen in 66 patients. Anterior chamber granuloma was the most frequent presentation (71.7%), followed by ciliary body granuloma (15.2%) and vitritis (13.1%). Corneal granuloma occurred in 10.1%, macular edema in 9.1%, episcleral involvement in 6.1%, and iris involvement in 5.1%. Complications included cataracts (9 cases) and phthisis bulbi (1 case). One case showed hemorrhagic AC granuloma. Anterior chamber granuloma was more common in older children (mean age 11.5 years, p = 0.010), while vitritis was more common in younger ones (mean age 9.1 years, p = 0.029). No significant correlation was found between ocular signs and residence.

CONCLUSION

In Beni Suef, children with presumed trematode-induced uveitis have diverse ocular manifestations, primarily anterior chamber and ciliary body granulomas with vitritis. Complications such as cataract and phthisis bulbi may occur. Atypical cases, including hemorrhage within a granuloma, may develop. The study suggests age-related variations in ocular signs but no significant correlation with residence.