Branch retinal arterial occlusion associated with toxoplasmic chorioretinitis.

BACKGROUND: Ocular toxoplasmosis can cause a variety of retinal vascular changes including branch retinal arterial occlusion, which is a rare complication of the disease.

PATIENT AND METHODS: We report a case of toxoplasmic chorioretinitis in a pregnant woman, who developed branch retinal arterial obstruction adjacent to the active chorioretinitis lesion.

RESULTS: The patient received an appropriate steroid and antibiotic treatment and the retinitis lesion resolved over a six-week period. At two months after diagnosis, visual acuity in her right eye was 20/30 and there was a hyperpigmented scar at the site where active retinitis had been observed.

CONCLUSION: Especially in young patients with branch retinal vascular occlusion associated with posterior uveitis, the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis should be kept in mind and serologic test results should be obtained.