Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis Following Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema: A Rare Complication

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report a case of ocular toxoplasmosis as a rare complication of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in a case of diabetic macular edema.

Methods

A 56 years old male, a known case of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, received intravitreal dexamethasone implant for diabetic macular edema in left eye. He developed toxoplasma retinochoroiditis involving the macula with further diminution of vision in his left eye 3 weeks after the injection. His serum titres were positive for Toxoplasma IgG (161 IU/ml). He was treated with oral Sulfamethoxazole 800 mg + Trimethoprim 160 mg 12 hourly for 4 weeks.

Results

The visual acuity in left eye improved with resolution of retinochoroiditis after the course of antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

It is imperative to follow-up closely after intravitreal steroid implantation, to look for the possible rare complication of infectious retinitis/retinochoroiditis, as timely antimicrobial treatment can lead to a good visual outcome.

KEYWORDS:

• Toxoplasma
• dexamethasone
• diabetic macular edema

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authorship

The manuscript has been read and approved by all the authors, the requirements for authorship as stated earlier in this document have been met, and each author believes that the manuscript represents honest work.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.