Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
05:22
Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing
Published on: May 5, 2022
A case of syphilitic keratoderma concurrent with syphilitic uveitis
Seon-Wook Hwang1, Ju-Hyun Kang, Ji-Sung Chun
1Department of Dermatology, Busan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
Annals of Dermatology
|June 5, 2010
Summary
Syphilitic keratoderma, a rare skin condition, can co-occur with syphilitic uveitis. Early syphilis evaluation is crucial for steroid-resistant skin and eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Syphilitic keratoderma is a rare manifestation of secondary syphilis.
- No prior reports document concurrent syphilitic keratoderma and uveitis.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with recalcitrant hyperkeratotic palmoplantar lesions and uveitis.
- Standard steroid therapy proved ineffective for her symptoms.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests revealed a reactive VDRL (1:128), confirming syphilis.
- Treatment with intravenous penicillin G led to complete resolution of both skin and ocular symptoms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering syphilis in patients with unexplained, steroid-resistant keratoderma and uveitis.
- Suggests syphilis serology should be part of the workup for such presentations.
- Underscores the potential for concurrent dermatologic and ophthalmologic syphilitic manifestations.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...