Intravitreal clindamycin and dexamethasone for toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To present a new method for the management of tox oplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC). METHODS: The patients were females ranging in age from 10 to 61 years (aver age 26.5). Four eyes of 4 patients were treated with intravitreal injection s of 1.0 mg clindamycin in 0.1 mt and 1.0 mg of dexamethasone in 0.1 mt. Th e injections were given under general or peribulbar anesthesia. Three patie nts continued one systemic drug. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 26 months (mea n 17.5). RESULTS: A favorable response was noted in each eye within two weeks after the intravitreal injections. All patients required 2 to 4 intravitreal inje ctions in the affected eye for the control of TRC. Visual acuity improved i n each eye. The disc and macula were preserved in all eyes. Recurrence was noted in one case, which responded to a repeated intravitreal injection of clindamycin and dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injections of clindamycin and dexamethasone are w ell tolerated and may offer an additional strategy to treat TRC in patients who are unable to afford or tolerate systemic therapy, or whose disease pr ogresses despite systemic therapy.