Miliary toxoplasmic retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

A unique pattern of bilateral miliary retinitis due to ocular toxoplasmosis developed in a patient in the late stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Results of serologic tests for toxoplasmosis remained negative throughout the clinical course of his ocular disease. The retinitis was unresponsive to a brief course of anti-toxoplasmosis therapy. At autopsy, the histopathologic material was consistent with toxoplasmic retinitis and the DNA polymerase chain reaction was positive for toxoplasmosis. Recognition of this pattern of retinitis is important in the appropriate treatment of immunosuppressed patients with retinitis.