Congenital toxoplasmosis classically presents with which triad?

Congenital toxoplasmosis classically presents with which triad?

• A. Deafness, cataracts, microcephaly
• B. Chorioretinitis, intracranial calcifications, hydrocephalus
• C. Jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia
• D. Seizures, microcephaly, limb anomalies

Answer: (B)

Congenital toxoplasmosis classically presents with a triad of chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications. The eye involvement (chorioretinitis) reflects intraocular inflammation from fetal infection and can lead to vision problems after birth. Hydrocephalus arises when inflammation disrupts CSF pathways, causing ventriculomegaly and an enlarged head. Intracranial calcifications result from fetal brain infection and are typically diffuse rather than confined to a single region. This pattern helps distinguish it from other congenital infections. For example, rubella often shows cataracts, deafness, and cardiac defects like PDA, while CMV more characteristically has periventricular calcifications with microcephaly and hearing loss. So the combination of chorioretinitis, intracranial calcifications, and hydrocephalus is the hallmark triad for congenital toxoplasmosis.

Congenital toxoplasmosis classically presents with a triad of chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications. The eye involvement (chorioretinitis) reflects intraocular inflammation from fetal infection and can lead to vision problems after birth. Hydrocephalus arises when inflammation disrupts CSF pathways, causing ventriculomegaly and an enlarged head. Intracranial calcifications result from fetal brain infection and are typically diffuse rather than confined to a single region.

This pattern helps distinguish it from other congenital infections. For example, rubella often shows cataracts, deafness, and cardiac defects like PDA, while CMV more characteristically has periventricular calcifications with microcephaly and hearing loss. So the combination of chorioretinitis, intracranial calcifications, and hydrocephalus is the hallmark triad for congenital toxoplasmosis.