Multifocal Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis in a Nonimmunosuppressed Elderly Patient: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Purpose To raise awareness of ophthalmologists that toxoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of multifocal or diffuse necrotizing retinitis in nonimmunosuppressed elderly patients. Methods Interventional case report with serial color fundus photographs, indocyanine green angiography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and chorioretinal biopsy histology. Results A 77-year-old, nonimmunosuppressed man developed extensive multifocal retinochoroiditis with scattered focal hemorrhages and significant vitreous haze. This case posed a significant diagnostic challenge mimicking viral retinitis. Vitreous polymerase chain reaction and chorioretinal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Conclusions As demonstrated in this case, toxoplasmosis should be considered as a cause of multifocal and/or diffuse necrotizing retinitis in elderly patients even in the absence of obvious systemic immunosuppression.