TOXOPLASMIC MYOCARDITIS AND POLYMYOSITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ACQUIRED TOXOPLASMOSIS DIAGNOSED DURING LIFE

The presence of both toxoplasmic myocarditis and myositis in the same individual has been reported only at autopsy, We report the first case of biopsy-proven toxoplasmic myocarditis and polymyositis simultaneou sly occurring in the same individual that was diagnosed during life. R esults of her toxoplasmic serology were consistent with acute toxoplas mosis. She subsequently developed visual symptoms consistent with toxo plasmic chorioretinitis. She had a positive clinical response to thera peutic agents specific against Toxoplasma gondii. Her toxoplasmic sero logical profile established the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. A to xoplasmic serological profile should be obtained for patients with myo carditis and/or polymyositis of unclear etiology, Endomyocardial or sk eletal muscle tissue biopsies may establish the definitive diagnosis o f toxoplasmic myocarditis or polymyositis, respectively, Examination o f blood by polymerase chain reaction analysis before antitoxoplasmic t reatment and early in the course of primary infection with T, gondii m ay prove useful.