Unusual Toxoplasmic Chorioretinitis in Advanced Age: A Diagnostic Problem

Abstract

Purpose: To raise awareness regarding presentation of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis late in life, and to discuss the invasive diagnostic options.

Patients/Methods: Case report.

Results: A 62-year-old patient presenting with posterior vitritis and a focus of retinitis was misdiagnosed and treated with antivirals and corticosteroids. Relapse after initial stabilization justified a vitreous tap for culture and DNA detection of a number of infectious agents, leading to the correct diagnosis of T.gondii infection.

Conclusions: Ocular sampling may be necessary to secure timely diagnosis and treatment of atypical retinitis. Acquired ocular toxoplasmosis may be under-recognized as a cause of infectious posterior uveitis and caution should be applied when administering steroids without a definite diagnosis.

KEYWORDS:

• polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
• posterior uveitis
• T.gondii
• toxoplasma
• ocular sampling chorioretinitis

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.