Purpose: To describe and analyse relationship between chorioretinal toxoplasmosis and retinal detachment.
Patients and methods: Seven immunocompetent patients examined and treated between November 1992 and March 1996, with ocular toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and retinal detachment.
Results: Of the 7 patients examined, 5 had active retinochoroiditis and 2 had typical inactive scars. Of the patients with active focus 3 had giant retinal tears, one had a posterior retinal tear and one had a retinal tear located at the edge of an atrophic scar. Of the patients with inactive lesions, one had tractional retinal detachment and the other presented with a complete retinal detachment, multiples tears and PVR. Five patients were treated by corticosteroid without antitoxoplasmic drug before they were referred. The seven patients underwent endo-ocular surgery with silicon oil or long actic gas tamponade. Three patients developed PVR and redetachment of the retina and two patients underwent further surgery. Good anatomical result was obtained in 6 patients.
Conclusion: Retinal detachment associated with toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is rare. However it represents a serious complication. Steroid administrated to salvage vision may then worsen the clinical course, these may be justified to reduce hypersensitivity to toxoplasma antigen, but they should be combined with an antimicrobial agent.