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Retinal vasculitis due to secondary syphilis.

Masahiko Yokoi¹, Manabu Kase

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Teine Keijin-kai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology

|February 10, 2004

Summary

Ocular syphilis can cause retinal vasculitis, leading to sudden vision loss. Prompt penicillin treatment resolved symptoms, but retinal vessel occlusion caused lasting changes.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Infectious Diseases
Vascular Biology

Background:

Retinal vasculitis is a known complication of ocular syphilis.
Ocular syphilis requires timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss.

Observation:

A 29-year-old male presented with sudden, persistent left eye vision loss.
Ophthalmoscopy revealed retinal hemorrhages, edema, and vascular sheathing.
Fluorescein angiography demonstrated extensive retinal artery, vein, and capillary occlusion.

Findings:

Positive serological tests for syphilis (FTA-ABS and TPHA) confirmed the diagnosis.
Penicillin treatment led to the resolution of retinal hemorrhages and edema.
Despite treatment, retinal vessel occlusion persisted, indicating irreversible vascular damage.

Implications:

This case highlights the severe vascular complications of ocular syphilis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigate vision impairment.
Persistent vascular occlusion underscores the potential for long-term sequelae even after effective treatment.

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