Clinical Manifestations of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Clinical manifestations of ocular toxoplasmosis are reviewed. Findings of congenital and acute acquired ocular toxoplasmosis include retinal scars, white-appearing lesions in the active phase often associated with vitritis. Complications can include fibrous bands, secondary serous or rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, optic neuritis and neuropathy, cataracts, increased intraocular pressure during active infection, and choroidal neovascular membranes. Recurrences in untreated congenital toxoplasmosis occur in teenage years. Manifestations at birth are less severe, and recurrences are fewer in those who were treated promptly early in the course of their disease in utero and in the first year of life. Severe retinal involvement is common at diagnosis of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis in the United States and Brazil. Acute acquired infections also may be complicated by toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, with recurrences most common close to the time of acquisition. Suppressive treatment can reduce recurrent disease.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis: A Case Report

“…During the active phase the focus of chorioretinitis appears yellowish-white or white-gray, with a raised, oval or circular, with blurred edges and adjacent retinal edema due to the involvement of the inner layers of the retina [5,6]. The lesion may vary in size and can be small and punctate, and may affect two or more quadrants of the retina.…”

“…Significant visual impairment occurs in many of the congenital cases [2]. Approximately 75% of cases are do not show any obvious clinical signs at birth [5], and are only detected during the first few months of life. However, if the mother became infected prior to becoming pregnant, toxoplasma gondii is not transmitted to the fetus [1][2][3]6].…”

“…Ocular toxoplasmosis presents with three main phases: active, chronic or inactive and recurrent [1,5]. During the active phase the focus of chorioretinitis appears yellowish-white or white-gray, with a raised, oval or circular, with blurred edges and adjacent retinal edema due to the involvement of the inner layers of the retina [5,6].…”

Risk Factors, Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Ocular Toxoplasmosis

“…Cells in the anterior chamber may also be noted and may appear to be either a granulomatous or non granulomatous uveitis. The discovery of healed pigmented retinochoroidal scars facilitates the diagnosis [57,58]. OT is also confirmed by a favorable clinical response to specific therapy.…”

Frecuencia de anticuerpos anti Toxoplasma gondii en gestantes de Cúcuta, Colombia

“…En éste sentido, aún si el desenlace no es mortal, la toxoplasmosis congénita se ha asociado a alteraciones oculares como retino coroiditis, dada la inmadurez del sistema inmunológico fetal (15), además de disfunción visual, auditiva o cerebral (16,17).…”