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Ocular Syphilis as a Cause of Chronic Postoperative Uveitis Followed by a Localized Ocular Jarisch-Herxheimer-like
Parsha Forouzan1, David Fell1, Freddie R Jones1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Objective:
The case draws attention to syphilis as a cause of chronic postoperative uveitis following cataract surgery and is the first to document transient worsening of ocular inflammation without systemic symptoms after initiation of treatment, suggesting a localized Jarisch-Herxheimer-like reaction.
Design:
Case report.
Results:
The average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer was used as an objective measure of intraocular inflammation. The patient's nerve edema worsened during a standard neurosyphilis treatment course and returned to normal several weeks after completion of therapy.
Conclusion:
Syphilis serologic testing should be strongly considered in the work-up for chronic postoperative uveitis. A localized ocular Jarisch-Herxheimer-like reaction may occur and should not detract from completion of neurosyphilis treatment.
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