Macular branch retinal artery occlusion as the first manifestation of ocular toxoplasmosis.

BACKGROUND

Ocular toxoplasmosis can cause a variety of retinal vascular changes including branch retinal arterial occlusion, which is a rare complication of the disease.

METHODS

An unusual toxoplasma chorioretinitis presenting a macular branch retinal arterial occlusion adjacent to the active chorioretinitis lesion is reported.

RESULTS

The patient received an appropriate steroid and antibiotic treatment, and the retinitis lesion resolved over a 6-week period. At 2 months after diagnosis, visual acuity in her left eye was 20/30 and there was a hyperpigmented scar at the site where active retinitis had been observed.

CONCLUSION

As this branch vascular obstruction may change the appearance of the fundus and obscure the initial inflammatory focus, ocular toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of branch retinal vascular occlusion associated with posterior uveitis, particularly in young patients.