Secondary syphilis with iris papules

Am J Ophthalmol. 1980 Sep;90(3):380-4. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)74921-9.

Abstract

A 30-year-old man developed bilateral iridocyclitis with iris roseolae and papules three months after the rash of secondary syphilis. The inflammation resolved after treatment with penicillin, intramuscularly, topically given corticosteroids, and cycloplegics. The serum immune-complex levels were slightly increased. Iris angiography showed leakage of fluorescein in the region of the papules and roseolae and from the vessels of the pupillary margin. When the eye was clinically uninflamed, a follow-up angiogram showed leakage of fluorescein from the same areas, suggesting that the inflammatory effect on the iris vessels persisted in the region of the roseolae, the papules, and the sphincter vessels.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mydriatics / therapeutic use
  • Penicillin G Benzathine / therapeutic use
  • Syphilis / complications*
  • Syphilis / drug therapy
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis
  • Uveitis, Anterior / diagnosis
  • Uveitis, Anterior / drug therapy
  • Uveitis, Anterior / etiology*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Mydriatics
  • Penicillin G Benzathine