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Secondary syphilis with iris papules
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Syphilis can cause eye inflammation, specifically iridocyclitis with iris lesions. Treatment with penicillin and anti-inflammatory drugs resolved the condition, but angiography revealed persistent vascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Secondary syphilis can manifest with ocular complications, including iridocyclitis.
- Iris involvement in syphilis may present as roseolae and papules.
Observation:
- A patient developed bilateral iridocyclitis with characteristic iris lesions three months post-secondary syphilis rash.
- Serum immune-complex levels were mildly elevated.
- Iris angiography demonstrated fluorescein leakage in affected iris regions and pupillary margin vessels.
Findings:
- The inflammation resolved with a combination of penicillin, topical corticosteroids, and cycloplegics.
- Follow-up iris angiography revealed persistent fluorescein leakage from previously affected iris areas, even in the absence of clinical inflammation.
Implications:
- This suggests a persistent inflammatory effect on iris vasculature following syphilis-induced iridocyclitis.
- Ocular syphilis requires thorough investigation and management, considering potential long-term vascular sequelae.