18.1

Toxoplasmic Chorioretinitis

Introduction:

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is the most common cause of posterior uveitis and focal retinitis. The disease typically affects immunocompetent individuals.

Clinical Features:

In recurrent cases, there is a characteristic focus of active chorioretinitis with overlying vitritis adjacent to a pigmented chorioretinal scar (Fig. 18.1.1). Associated retinal vasculitis may be present. The disease is almost always unilateral. Primary infection may present with a similar appearance in the absence of a pigmented scar (Fig. 18.1.2). Multifocality and bilaterality are rare except in immunocompromised individuals. In elderly patients, a severe form of toxoplasmosis that is relentlessly progressive, resembling acute retinal necrosis, can occur.

Figure 18.1.1 Color photograph of a typical toxoplasmosis chorioretinal scar with resolving active retinitis.

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Related posts:

1. Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
2. Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
3. Birdshot Chorioretinopathy
4. Choroidal Melanoma

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join

Full access? Get Clinical Tree