Early pars plana vitrectomy in chronic endophthalmitis of toxocariasis

Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 12 eyes affected with chronic endophthalmitis in patients 4-38 years of age. In 3 cases the indication was severe vitreitis and the surgical response was excellent. The other 9 eyes were operated upon during the cicatricial and sequelae stages, and the results were better the earlier surgery was performed. Lensectomy was associated in 5 cases. Good anatomical results were obtained in 9 eyes (75%); the other 3 (25%) were failures because of complications. Visual acuity improved after vitrectomy in 8 cases (66%), remained the same in 1 and became worse in the 3 anatomical failures (25%). Early pars plana vitrectomy is indicated in the chronic endophthalmitis of toxocariasis to prevent development of complications leading to loss of the eye and in order to obtain good functional results with little risk of complications. The ELISA test was performed on 5 vitreous samples and was positive in all. Toxocariasis should be strongly suspected in cases of unilateral vitreitis and/or pars planitis.