Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025

05:22
Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing
Published on: May 5, 2022
1.2K
Tertiary Syphilis-Induced Ocular Syphilis Complicated by Retinal Detachment
Arslan Khan1, Stephen DiGiuseppe2, Moneeb Mustafa3
1Osteopathic Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, USA.
Cureus
|April 28, 2025
Summary
Tertiary syphilis can cause severe vision loss, including ocular syphilis and retinal detachment. Early diagnosis and penicillin treatment are crucial for preventing permanent vision impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Tertiary syphilis is a late stage of syphilis infection that can manifest with diverse neurological and systemic complications.
- Ocular manifestations of syphilis, including ocular syphilis and retinal detachment, can lead to significant visual impairment.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male presented with acute vision loss, eye pain, and blurriness in his left eye.
- The patient experienced a fall due to his visual disturbance, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Findings:
- Diagnostic workup, including clinical examination, lumbar puncture, and serological testing, confirmed tertiary syphilis.
- The patient was diagnosed with ocular syphilis complicated by retinal detachment.
Implications:
- Intravenous penicillin G was administered for treatment, leading to patient transfer for continued care.
- This case underscores the critical need for prompt recognition and management of ocular syphilis to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
176
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...
176
Glaucoma: Overview
469
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...
469

