Syphilis: an ancient foe with multiple faces

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jan 29:2013:bcr2012007600. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007600.

Abstract

Syphilis can have a multitude of different ophthalmological presentations. The authors present a case of a 59-year-old man, with complaints of bilateral blurred vision starting 6 months before. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral superotemporal retinal oedema, extending to the superior macular region, with a white stippled discolouration of the corresponding retinal pigment epithelium. Laboratory work-up confirmed the diagnosis of syphilis. The patient was treated with penicillin G benzathine-2.4 million IU intramuscular weekly for 3 weeks. After treatment, a clinical improvement of the fundus lesions was observed along with a subjective improvement in visual function. Over a 12 month follow-up period, no recurrences have occurred.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Papilledema / microbiology*
  • Penicillin G Benzathine / therapeutic use
  • Syphilis / complications
  • Syphilis / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis / drug therapy
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillin G Benzathine