Macular Pucker: A Devastating Complication in Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Ocular toxoplasmosis has multiple devastating complications with possible recurrence. A potentially blinding complication of ocular toxoplasmosis is macular pucker. Here, we report a case of macular pucker in ocular toxoplasmosis treated with azithromycin and prednisolone. A 35-year-old woman complained of central scotoma for six days, which was associated with fever, headache, joint pain, and myalgia. Her visual acuity was counting finger OD and 6/18 OS. Her right eye optic nerve function test was impaired. Fundoscopy showed bilateral optic disc swelling that progressed to retinal fibrosis over papillomacular bundle and macular pucker over the right eye. CT scan of the brain and orbit was normal. Toxoplasma titer was positive. She was diagnosed to have a right eye macular pucker secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis. Oral azithromycin and oral prednisolone (on a tapering dose) were administered for six weeks. Fundoscopy showed resolved optic disc swelling. However, her vision in the right eye remained poor. Ocular toxoplasmosis may progress to macular pucker which can lead to poor vision and legal blindness. Reduced vision-related quality of life notably in the younger population as a complication of ocular toxoplasmosis is difficult to prevent. However, therapy with azithromycin and prednisolone may reduce the negative consequences of inflammation and shrink lesions, especially when the lesions are located at the macula or near the optic disc. Vitrectomy is an alternative treatment for complications such as macular pucker in selected cases.