Fundus topographical distribution patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis

Background To establish topographic maps and determine fundus distribution patterns of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) lesions. 

Methods In this retrospective study, patients who presented with OT to ophthalmology clinics from four countries (Argentina, Turkey, UK, USA) were included. Size, shape and location of primary (1°)/recurrent (2°) and active/inactive lesions were converted into a two-dimensional retinal chart by a retinal drawing software. A final contour map of the merged image charts was then created using a custom Matlab programme. Descriptive analyses were performed. 

Results 984 lesions in 514 eyes of 464 subjects (53% women) were included. Mean area of all 1° and 2° lesions was 5.96±12.26 and 5.21±12.77 mm 2, respectively. For the subset group lesions (eyes with both 1° and 2° lesions), 1° lesions were significantly larger than 2° lesions (5.52±6.04 mm 2 vs 4.09±8.90 mm 2, p=0.038). Mean distances from foveola to 1° and 2° lesion centres were 6336±4267 and 5763±3491 μm, respectively. The majority of lesions were found in temporal quadrant (p<0.001). Maximum overlap of all lesions was at 278 μm inferotemporal to foveola. 

Conclusion The 1° lesions were larger than 2° lesions. The 2° lesions were not significantly closer to fovea than 1° lesions. Temporal quadrant and macular region were found to be densely affected underlining the vision threatening nature of the disease.