[Clinical features of ocular toxoplasmosis in an inmigrant population in the Barcelona area: Study of 22 patients].

PURPOSE: To report the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features of ocular toxoplasmosis in an immigrant population in the Barcelona area.

METHODS

A retrospective non-comparative observational study was conducted on a case series of 22 immigrant patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis by ophthalmoscopic and serological findings. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analysed under baseline conditions. The minimum follow-up was 6 months.

RESULTS

Bilateral involvement was observed in five of the 22 patients (22.7%), a total of 27 eyes being affected by active lesions and old scars. Atypical presentations, including multiple or large necrotizing lesions, were observed in 5 eyes (25%). In 15 eyes (75%) the retinal lesions were associated with intraocular inflammation. Vitreoretinal complications were observed in eight eyes (29.6%), with 22.7% of them requiring vitreous surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In immigrant patients from our area in Barcelona, ocular toxoplasmosis has specific clinical and prognostic features, including high rates of atypical presentations, frequent intraocular inflammation, and vitreoretinal complications, requiring surgery in most of the cases.