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Roth Spots in Ocular Toxoplasmosis
João M Furtado1, Marcelo Toscano1, Vinicius Castro1
1a Departamento de Oftalmologia , Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|October 17, 2015
Summary
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) can present with active inflammation and Roth spots in the unaffected eye. Prompt treatment is crucial for resolving these retinal hemorrhages and managing ocular inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a significant cause of posterior uveitis.
- White-centered retinal hemorrhages, or Roth spots, can indicate various systemic and ocular conditions.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old male presented with decreased visual acuity and anterior chamber inflammation in his right eye.
- Ophthalmoscopy revealed active retinochoroidal inflammation with hemorrhage near the optic disc and Roth spots in the posterior pole.
- The patient had a history of unilateral preexisting ocular toxoplasmosis.
Findings:
- Serological testing confirmed high IgG titers for toxoplasmosis, with negative IgM.
- Treatment with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, folinic acid, and prednisone led to the resolution of Roth spots within two weeks, despite persistent peripapillary inflammation.
Implications:
- This case highlights ocular toxoplasmosis as a critical differential diagnosis for patients presenting with Roth spots and retinochoroidal inflammation.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential for managing sight-threatening complications of ocular toxoplasmosis.
