Purpose: Syphilis is a widespread systemic sexually transmitted disease. Classically, it has affected middle aged men and high-risk populations as HIV positive patients and men who have sex with men. It has been reported an increase in the cases diagnosed of syphilis all around the world in the last two decades, shifting the pattern of presentation and patient demographics, affecting more women and heterosexual men. In this regard, the presentation and first diagnosis has also varied, ocular findings the first complaint in some cases. We present a series of 7 cases of ocular syphilis in a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain.
Methods
Methods: we gathered the information of every ocular syphilis case diagnosed during January 2022 to december 2022 by our uveitis and retina specialists; as well as, recorded every newly diagnosed syphilis case in the center using, as it is mandatory, VDRL and RPR ⅛ or lower positive tests carried out by the microbiology specialists from 2018 to december 2022.
Results
Results: 7 new cases of ocular syphilis were diagnosed and treated in the lapse of a year on our center: nodular scleritis and interstitial keratitis, occlusive bilateral vasculitis, acute posterior placoid chorioretinopathy, panuveitis and bilateral vasculitis. On the other hand, an increased number of positive VDRL/RPR tests have been found from 2018 to date.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Syphilis is the "great imitator", this disease can have numerous and complex manifestations. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate therapy are often associated with irreversible consequences for the affected patient.
Conflict of interest
No
Authors 1
Last name
ECHEVERRIA JIMENO
Initials of first name(s)
N
Department
Ophthalmology
City
Madrid
Country
Spain
Authors 2
Last name
Serrador Garcia
Initials of first name(s)
M
Department
Ophthalmology
City
Madrid
Country
Spain
Authors 3
Last name
Gonzalez Lopez
Initials of first name(s)
JJ
Department
Ophthalmology
City
Madrid
Country
Spain
Authors 4
Last name
Carceller Calvo
Initials of first name(s)
J
Department
Ophthalmology
City
Madrid
Country
Spain
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