Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To analyze the changes in patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis Methods:We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with congenital or acquired ocular toxoplasmosis between January 1996 and January 2001. All patients were included no matter age or sex. Results:From the 110 selected patients, 69 cases (62.7%) were diagnosed as congenital and 41(37.2%) as acquired, based in the history and the physical findings. Panuveitis was the most frequent diagnosis in 35 (31.8%), followed by anterior uveitis in 14 (12.7%), vasculitis and retinal membranes in 4 (3.6%), and papilitis, macular holes, nistagmus and glaucoma in 2 (1.8%) each one. Chorioretinal scars where bilateral in 71 (64.5%) and unilateral in 29 (25.4%). Older scars where found in 98 (89.09%) and only 12 (10.91%) where reactivations. The most common scar location was the macular area in 95 (86.5%), in vascular arches, periphery and peripapilar in 15 (13.5%). In serum samples where found high levels of toxoplasmic IgM antibodies in 3 (2.7%) and IgG toxoplasmic antibodies in 99 (90%). Conclusion:We consider that the presence of old scars is no more a specific sign for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. It also can be an acquired toxoplasmosis in a reactivation phase. The laboratory levels of toxoplasmic antibodies do not support the diagnosis. An acquired toxoplasmosis can stay asymptomathic or not be diagnosed until its reactivation. In this study the posterior uveitis is no more the most common form of clinical presentation of the ocular toxoplasmosis, so the clinical behaviors can still change.
Keywords: 437 inflammation • 554 retina • 611 uvea