[Argyll-Robertson and other pupillary abnormalities in neurosyphilis--with special reference to the detection of peripheral lesions]

The pupillary disturbances in twenty five neurosyphilitic patients were investigated. Miotic, light-rigid pupils, i.e., Argyll-Robertson pupils were found in only three of these patients. One of three patients showed unilateral Argyll-Robertson pupil. Irregular margins of the iris were associated with these miotic, light-rigid pupils. Abnormal striations of the iris were found in four of eight non-miotic (medium size), light-rigid pupils. Cocaine or ephedrine produced dilatation of two of these pupils, and, following this mydriasis, the pupils were capable of constricting to light. These abnormalities of the iris were not found in slightly light-reactive pupil. The light-rigid pupil induced by long-term administration of neuroleptics and antiparkinson drug in comparison with Argyll-Robertson pupil was also mentioned, and the findings of many authorities who have proposed a peripheral nerve pathogenesis of the Argyll-Robertson syndrome were reviewed.