Bilateral tonic pupils associated with neurosyphilis

Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2003 Jul-Aug;47(4):368-71. doi: 10.1016/s0021-5155(03)00058-3.

Abstract

Background: To describe 4 patients with bilateral tonic pupils in neurosyphilis.

Cases: Four young men had pupillary abnormalities, which involved irregular shapes, large sizes, tonic reactions, and vermiform movements of both pupils with light-near dissociation. Cholinergic supersensitivity defined bilateral tonic pupils.

Observations: Neurosyphilis was diagnosed in these patients on the basis of ocular and laboratory findings.

Conclusions: Bilateral tonic pupils may be important as initial findings in neurosyphilis. We conclude that patients with bilateral tonic pupils should undergo serologic tests for syphilis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
  • Humans
  • Leukocytosis / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Neurosyphilis / complications*
  • Neurosyphilis / diagnosis
  • Tonic Pupil / diagnosis
  • Tonic Pupil / etiology*