Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis and antitumor necrosis factor treatment in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: To present the data supporting the possible relationship of ocular toxoplasmosis to antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A Medline search was performed using the words toxoplasmosis, anti-TNF-alpha antagonists, chorioretinitis. We report 2 RA patients who developed ocular toxoplasmosis while receiving anti-TNF-(c) therapy. Results: In addition to our patients with toxoplasmic chorioretinitis, there are 2 published cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis during treatment with anti-TNF-alpha agents. Conclusion: The risk of serious toxoplasmic infection during anti-TNF-alpha therapy for RA should be recognized. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.