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Ocular syphilis cases on the rise
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SAN FRANCISCO — Ocular syphilis incidence is increasing worldwide and delays in diagnosis can lead to serious ocular and systemic morbidity and mortality, according to a presentation here.
A retrospective case series including 12 eyes of six patients with clinical and serological confirmation of diagnosis was presented at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting.
Among the cases, two patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, and four patients, including the two with HIV, had abnormal findings on cerebral spinal fluid examination. Clinically, all patients demonstrated posterior segment involvement, with features varying, including anterior uveitis and vitritis, syphilitic placoid retinopathy, ground glass retinitis and macular edema.
All patients were treated with intravenous penicillin for 14 days, and whereas visual acuity improved significantly in the majority of eyes, two were maintained at count fingers vision.
“There is a wide range of clinical presentations of the ‘great imitator,’” Veronica A. Kon Graversen, MD, said in the presentation, referring to ocular syphilis. “Treatment regimens differ depending on HIV status. Ocular syphilis is on the rise and its resurgence remains a public health threat. Delay in its diagnosis represents potentially serious ocular and systemic morbidity and mortality. Every case should be reported and treated appropriately.” — by Robert Linnehan
Reference:
Graversen VAK. The great imitator strikes again: The many faces of ocular syphilis. Presented at: American Society of Retina Specialists 34th Annual Meeting, Aug. 9-14, 2016; San Francisco, Calif.
Disclosure: Graversen reports no relevant financial interests.