A newborn with congenital toxoplasmosis presents with the classic triad. The three components of the classic clinical triad of congenital toxoplasmosis are:

• A Microcephaly, cataracts, patent ductus arteriosus
• B Chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications (diffuse periventricular and throughout brain parenchyma) ✓
• C Periventricular calcifications, hearing loss, hepatomegaly
• D Chorioretinitis, sensorineural deafness, cardiac defects

Explanation

The classic triad of congenital toxoplasmosis is chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and diffuse intracranial calcifications (scattered throughout the brain, unlike the periventricular pattern of CMV). The calcifications in toxoplasmosis are scattered/diffuse, while in CMV they are specifically periventricular — this distinction is a classic NEET question. The rubella triad includes deafness, cataract, and cardiac defects.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.