Intravitreal Clindamycin for Multifocal Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis in Immunocompromised Patients: A Case Series with Aqueous Humor PCR Confirmation.

PURPOSE: To present a case series of three immunocompromised patients (four eyes) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed ocular toxoplasmosis treated with intravitreal clindamycin (IVC).

METHODS

Clinical data from three immunocompromised patients with atypical ocular toxoplasmosis treated with IVC were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by aqueous humor PCR, which tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii and negative for herpesviruses. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using multimodal imaging, including fundus autofluorescence (FAF).

RESULTS

All patients presented with progressive vision loss, with T. gondii infection confirmed following initial misdiagnoses. The case series included: (1) a 56-year-old cardiac transplant recipient on immunosuppressive therapy; (2) a 47-year-old male with dermatomyositis on oral prednisone; and (3) a 56-year-old female with suspected dermatomyositis previously treated with corticosteroids, which had been discontinued one month prior to symptom onset. PCR positivity enabled targeted IVC therapy, adjunctive or substitute for systemic treatment, effectively controlling intraocular infection in all cases. FAF was valuable in follow-up, revealing subclinical progression of hyperautofluorescent lesions in some cases. Despite successful inflammation control, delayed diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation led to irreversible visual impairment in all patients.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous humor PCR is essential for diagnosing atypical ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients. IVC appears well tolerated and may serve as adjunctive therapy or monotherapy when systemic treatment is not tolerated. Despite a small sample size, findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible retinal damage. FAF may aid in detecting subclinical activity throughout the disease course.