Acute Inner Foveal Toxoplasmic Maculopathy: An Atypical Manifestation of Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

Authors

Vivian Cristina Costa Afonso, Heloisa Nascimento, Luciana Peixoto Finamor, Antonio M Casella, Cristina Muccioli

Published in

Ocular immunology and inflammation. Pages 1-7. Oct 12, 2026. Epub Oct 12, 2026.

Abstract

To describe the clinical and multimodal imaging characteristics of an atypical clinical and imaging presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis.
We retrospectively reviewed six eyes of five immunocompetent patients (including one patient with bilateral involvement), with clinically diagnosed ocular toxoplasmosis. Diagnosis was based on compatible clinical findings, multimodal retinal imaging, positive Toxoplasma gondii serology, and exclusion of alternative infectious etiologies. Intraocular PCR and Goldmann-Witmer coefficient analysis were not available. Clinical presentation, multimodal imaging findings, treatments and outcomes were reviewed.
Six eyes of five patients were included. All eyes demonstrated a consistent inner foveal SD-OCT imaging pattern characterized by focal inner retinal cavitation, ellipsoid zone disruption, and outer nuclear layer involvement, with variable but generally limited intraocular inflammation. Two eyes (Case 1 OD and Case 3) presented with predominantly macular involvement without adjacent active retinochoroiditis. Following treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and systemic corticosteroids, all eyes showed anatomical improvement, although residual inner retinal thinning persisted in several eyes.
This case series described an atypical clinical and imaging presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis characterized by a distinctive inner foveal SD-OCT imaging pattern (acute inner foveal toxoplasmic maculopathy). Although the absence of intraocular microbiological confirmation limits diagnostic certainty, recognition of this presentation may facilitate earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment in selected patients. The term "acute" refers to the active ocular presentation and does not imply recently acquired systemic infection. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and clarify their underlying pathophysiology.

PMID:
42862047
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Oct 2026.

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