Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Optic Nerve Sheath Point of Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2023
Unilateral swollen optic disc: do not forget neurosyphilis
Lénea Porto1, Joana Capelo, Adelino Carragoso
1Department of Internal Medicine 1, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal. leneaporto@gmail.com
Abstract:
A 51-year-old man presented with a 3 month history of progressive right visual loss. On examination, the only abnormal findings were a right visual acuity of 4/10 and a swollen right optic disc. The patient had previously undergone MRI that had been reported as being normal and a trial of corticosteroids under the care of the referring ophthalmologist. An extensive battery of blood tests was normal apart from a rapid plasmatic reagin titre of 1:64. ELISA revealed elevated levels of total and immunoglobulin M antibodies against Treponema pallidum. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a mild leucocytosis and mildly elevated protein content. The patient was treated with a 5 week course of penicillin. Three months after starting treatment, his right visual acuity had improved to 8/10 and his right optic disc swelling had resolved.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Glaucoma: Overview
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Brain Abscess l: Introduction

