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10:33
Primed Mycobacterial Uveitis (PMU) as a Model for Post-Infectious Uveitis
Published on: December 17, 2021
Ocular uveitis as the initial presentation of syphilis.
May-Ching Hong1, Shwu-Jiuan Sheu, Tsung-Tien Wu
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Ocular syphilis can initially present as uveitis, often without systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis by ophthalmologists is crucial for effective treatment and vision recovery, even with penicillin allergies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Uveitis
Background:
- Syphilis can manifest initially as ocular uveitis.
- Ophthalmologists are often the first to diagnose syphilitic patients.
- Understanding these initial presentations is key for early detection.
Observation:
- Retrospective review of uveitis patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2004.
- Included patients with positive serologic tests and active ocular syphilis.
- Eight patients (14 eyes) diagnosed with ocular syphilis by ophthalmologists.
Findings:
- Panuveitis was the most common diagnosis (78.6%), followed by anterior (14.3%) and posterior uveitis (7.1%).
- Bilateral eye involvement occurred in 75% of patients.
- Treponema pallidum confirmed via aqueous humor dark field and immunofluorescent tests.
- All patients showed improved visual function and uveitis after treatment with penicillin or tetracycline.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists are crucial for early syphilis detection, as ocular symptoms may precede systemic manifestations.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of ocular syphilis yield positive visual prognoses.
- Awareness of diverse ocular syphilis presentations aids in early disease identification.
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