Choroidal neovascular membrane and other chorioretinal complications of acquired syphilis

We reviewed ten patients who had posterior segment complications of acquired syphilis. Five of these patients had a neovascular membrane of the choroid associated with secondary or tertiary syphilis. Vision was stabilized after laser photocoagulation in one patient who had a choroidal neovascular membrane. Five additional patients had ocular manifestations including uveitis, optic neuritis, neuroretinitis, chorioretinitis, retinal hemorrhages, arterial and venous occlusion, vasculitis, and retinitis. Treatment of chorioretinal complications of syphilis with intravenous penicillin, if initiated early in the course of the disease, may result in excellent visual recovery.