Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreoretinal complications of ocular toxoplasmosis

PURPOSE. Ocular toxoplasmosis is associated with vitreoretinal complications that can potentially cause severe visual loss. The aim of this study is to report the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes of vitreous surgery in eyes with vitreoretinal complications secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS. This retrospective study included 15 eyes of 15 patients (8 men, 7 women; mean age at surgery, 37.2 years, range 18-57 years) who had undergone vitreoretinal surgery for vitreoretinal complications secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis. Visual acuity was compared between the last preoperative visit and the most recent follow-up visit. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also analyzed. RESULTS. Indications for surgery were retinal detachment in 8 eyes (53.3%), epiretinal membrane in 2 eyes (13.3%), persistent vitreous opacities in 2 eyes (13.3%), choroidal neovascularization in 1 eye (6.6%), vitreous hemorrhage secondary to vasoproliferative retinal tumor in 1 eye (6.6%), and hemorrhagic vasculitis with premacular hemorrhage in 1 eye (6.6%). At last examination, visual acuity improved in 11 eyes (73.3%) by 2 lines or more. Postoperative events that might be related to the surgery included 1 localized retinal detachment, 2 cataracts, and 1 glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS. Pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of vitreoretinal complications secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis can be safely performed and may result in improved visual acuity. (Eur J Ophthaqlmol 2009; 19: 1039-43)