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Reid GA, Halmagyi GM, Whyte C, McCluskey PJ. Ocular vs neurosyphilis. are they the same? A guide to investigation and management. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2337-2349. [PMID: 38914721 PMCID: PMC11306553 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03150-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This article reviews key concepts in the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of ocular syphilis. It is not a systematic review or meta-analysis, but highlights the critical clinical features and investigations in patients with ocular syphilis. It reviews the overlap and interplay between ocular and neuro syphilis and provides practical guidance to diagnose and manage patients with ocular syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Reid
- Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Specialty of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gabor Michael Halmagyi
- Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Specialty of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claudia Whyte
- Department of Infectious Diseases Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J McCluskey
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Specialty of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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2
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Kawamoto S, Hiyama T, Sada I, Harada Y. Syphilitic Uveitis With Diverse Clinical Presentations: Multimodal Imaging as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Diagnosis and Treatment. Cureus 2024; 16:e59791. [PMID: 38846191 PMCID: PMC11154847 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
We report four cases of syphilitic uveitis with diverse clinical presentations. All patients were men who have sex with women, and were aged 19-68 years, and none were HIV-positive. All cases were bilateral. One case presented with anterior uveitis, while three exhibited panuveitis. One patient had acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis and two had retinal vasculitis resulting in damage to the outer retinal and retinal pigment epithelium. The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and Treponema pallidum (TP) hemagglutination test were both positive in all cases. Six of eight eyes had improved vision and best-corrected visual acuity better than 20/20 after antibiotic treatment. Serological testing is mandatory for the diagnosis of syphilitic uveitis. Additionally, multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and fluorescein angiography (FA), can provide useful adjunctive information for early diagnosis and assessment of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Kawamoto
- Ophthalmology, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, Hiroshima, JPN
| | | | - Ikuyo Sada
- Ophthalmology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
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3
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Testa D, Falcone M, Ragone MC, Posarelli C, Migliorini P. Steroid-dependent ocular pain. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15148. [PMID: 38661322 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Testa
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Ragone
- Ophthalmology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Posarelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and of Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Migliorini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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4
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Wu LZ, Orlowski TM, Karunatilake M, Lee S, Mondal P, Kogilwaimath S, Bursztyn LLCD. Prognostic effect of HIV on visual acuity in ocular syphilis: a systematic review. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3271-3281. [PMID: 36944709 PMCID: PMC10564912 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02504-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Ocular syphilis is a vision-threatening disease that can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. The global re-emergence of syphilis warrants greater investigations into the visual prognosis of eyes affected by this potentially devastating disease. This systematic review investigates the impact of HIV on visual acuity (VA) outcomes in ocular syphilis. METHODS A literature search of Medline, PubMed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane Reviews was conducted for studies published between 01 January 2011 and 19 March 2022, reporting non-aggregate initial and post-treatment VA data of eyes with ocular syphilis and corresponding HIV status in patients ≥ 18 years. RESULTS A total of 95 studies, including 364 patients and 568 eyes, were evaluated. Among people living with HIV with a diagnosis of ocular syphilis, affected eyes were more likely to have optic nerve involvement and panuveitis. However, HIV status, CD4 cell count, and HIV viral load were not predictive of VA outcomes of treated ocular syphilis. Prognostic factors of final VA worse than 1.00 logMAR were female sex, the presence of macular edema, and VA ≥ 1.00 at presentation. The strongest predictor of a worse final VA was VA ≥ 1.00 at presentation. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review demonstrates that HIV status, CD4 cell count, and HIV viral load are not significant factors impacting VA outcomes of eyes with ocular syphilis. While visual prognosis is generally good, poor visual outcome is most strongly predicted by poor VA at presentation. This underscores the importance of early recognition and treatment prior to permanent vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Z Wu
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | | | - Malshi Karunatilake
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Prosanta Mondal
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Green MB, Agranat JS, Davoudi S, Sanayei N, Ness S. Penicillin Responsive Presumed Seronegative Ocular Syphilis in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1320-1327. [PMID: 36897959 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2183413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Ocular and systemic syphilis are well known to mimic other clinical entities making them challenging to diagnose in many cases. Syphilis testing plays an important role in diagnosis and timely treatment. Here we describe a patient with untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who presented with bilateral panuveitis with repeatedly negative syphilis serologies. In light of worsening retinitis while on aggressive anti-viral treatment and in consideration of the clinical suspicion for syphilitic uveitis, intravenous penicillin was initiated empirically. The patient demonstrated significant improvement subjectively and objectively after treatment. We also review and discuss syphilis testing reliability generally and in HIV co-infected patients in particular. Empiric intravenous penicillin should be considered in patients with clinical features of ocular syphilis despite negative serologic testing, especially in those with HIV co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Green
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua S Agranat
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samaneh Davoudi
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nedda Sanayei
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven Ness
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Jiang Z, Ji H, Zhang N, Huang L, Dong J. Case Report: Multimode Imaging of Chronic Syphilitic Chorioretinitis. Optom Vis Sci 2023; 100:645-653. [PMID: 37585871 DOI: 10.1097/opx.0000000000002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The clinical manifestations of ocular syphilis may mimic those of other diseases, which may result in a missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. PURPOSE We describe multimodal imaging findings and treatment outcomes of a patient with chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis. CASE REPORT A 40-year-old male patient complained of progressive decreased visual acuity of his left eye for more than 1 year. The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 3/50 in the left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defect and 1+ vitreous cells were detected in the left eye. The authors performed fundus examination, fluorescence angiography, ultrawide-field fundus autofluorescence, structure optical coherence tomography, wide-field montage optical coherence tomography angiography, and visual field. Laboratory tests including a toluidine red unheated serum test (1:32) and the Treponema pallidum antibody (9.01S/CO) showed positive results. Chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis was diagnosed in both eyes. The patient was admitted for administration of intravenous penicillin G for 14 days, followed by intramuscular benzathine penicillin G weekly for three doses. Six months after treatment, the toluidine red unheated serum test ratio had decreased to 1:2 (positive). The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 6/20 in the left eye. The reexamination results showed that the ocular structure and capillaris flow partially recovered. CONCLUSIONS Chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis profoundly affects the structure of the retina and choroid; however, eyes may partially recover after an effective treatment. Ultrawide-field imaging technology has several advantages, such as broader imaging field and more details provided, in determining syphilis-induced ocular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Ji
- Department of Laboratory, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
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7
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Handa S, Sen A, More A, Arora A, Sharma A, Gupta A, Gupta V, Agarwal M. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges. Retina 2023; 43:1420-1424. [PMID: 36735395 DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Mantovani A, Herbort CP, Hedayatfar A, Papasavvas I. Blue-Light Fundus Autofluorescence (BAF), an Essential Modality for the Evaluation of Inflammatory Diseases of the Photoreceptors: An Imaging Narrative. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2466. [PMID: 37510210 PMCID: PMC10378479 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Our purpose is to describe blue-light fundus autofluorescence (BAF) features of inflammatory diseases of the outer retina characterised by photoreceptor damage. BAF from patients diagnosed with secondary and primary inflammatory photoreceptor damage were retrospectively analyzed and compared to other imaging modalities including fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), idiopathic multifocal choroiditis (MFC), acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE), serpiginous choroiditis (SC), and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC), all cases corresponding to secondary photoreceptor diseases caused by inflammatory choriocapillaris nonperfusion, were included and compared to primary photoreceptor disease entities, including acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). Both groups showed increased BAFs of variable intensity. In severe cases of APMPPE and ASPPC, BAF also showed hypoautofluorescent areas. In group 1 (secondary diseases) BAF hyperautofluorescent areas were associated with colocalized ICGA hypofluorescent areas, indicating choriocapillaris nonperfusion; whereas in group 2 (primary diseases), no ICGA signs were detected. The associated colocalized areas of hypofluorescence on ICGA in the first group, which were absent in the second group, were crucial to allow the differentiation between primary (photoreceptoritis) and secondary (choriocapillaritis) photoreceptor diseases. BAF patterns in inflammatory diseases of the outer retina can give relevant information on the photoreceptor and RPE involvement, with ICGA being crucial to detect concurring choriocapillaris damage and differentiating the two pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl P Herbort
- Inflammatory and Retinal Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care (COS), 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alireza Hedayatfar
- Eye Research Centre, The Five Senses Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, University of Medical Sciences, Teheran 14456 13131, Iran
| | - Ioannis Papasavvas
- Inflammatory and Retinal Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care (COS), 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London EC1V 2PD, UK
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9
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Silpa-Archa S, Hoopholerb T, Foster CS. Appraisal of vitreous syphilis antibody as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of syphilitic uveitis: a prospective case-control study. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:146-154. [PMID: 35034091 PMCID: PMC9829903 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the sensitivity and specificity of syphilis antibody tests in vitreous samples and to propose an algorithm using vitreous syphilis antibody as a supplementary test to confirm syphilitic uveitis (SU). METHODS A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Retina and Uveitis Clinic from May 2017 to January 2020. Initially, patients were classified based on syphilis serology into group 1 (positive testing) and group 2 (negative testing). Group 1 was further divided into 2 subgroups (group 1A and 1B) depending on their relevant clinical manifestations and clinical improvement. Group 2 served as a control group. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the study: 14 in group 1A, 5 in group 1B, and 19 in group 2B. No patient was assigned to group 2A. All patients in group 1A, representing definite SU, completed syphilis test (rapid plasma reagin [RPR], enzyme immunoassay [EIA], and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption [FTA-ABS]) for vitreous, and all vitreous samples yielded positive results. Of the 5 subjects in group 1B, 3 cases were considered to be not SU with different conditions, and 2 were indeterminate for SU. They presented with different features not typical of SU, and they had variable and fewer positive syphilis antibody responses. The most sensitive test for detecting syphilis antibodies in vitreous was EIA (90.9%), followed by RPR (80.0%) and FTA-ABS IgG (78.9%). EIA and FTA-ABS had the highest specificity, detecting 100% of the syphilis antibody. CONCLUSIONS Vitreous analysis of syphilis antibody can serve as a supplementary test to confirm SU in selected cases as the proposed algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhum Silpa-Archa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Tararat Hoopholerb
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charles Stephen Foster
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution, Waltham, MA, USA
- Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation, Waltham, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Zafar S, Mishra K, Sachdeva MM. SYPHILITIC OUTER RETINOPATHY: A MASQUERADING DIAGNOSIS REVEALED AFTER STEROID-INDUCED PROGRESSION TO PANUVEITIS. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2023; 17:9-12. [PMID: 33323897 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000001106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of syphilitic outer retinopathy revealed after progression to panuveitis after a course of oral steroids for suspected poison ivy. METHODS Retrospective case report. RESULTS A 44-year-old diabetic man presented with progressive symptoms of nyctalopia and color vision changes associated with outer retinal disruption on macular imaging but minimal evidence of intraocular inflammation on examination. A short course of oral steroids for an unrelated skin condition induced rapid progression to frank panuveitis with retinal vascular sheathing and retinal whitening. Systemic workup identified syphilis as the etiology. The patient's visual symptoms and disruption of the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial layers on OCT improved after treatment with IV penicillin. CONCLUSION Syphilitic outer retinopathy represents an unusual manifestation of ocular syphilis that can present with minimal examination findings. We present here a case of oral steroid use resulting in the progression of syphilitic outer retinopathy to a more fulminant form of syphilitic uveitis that ultimately revealed the correct diagnosis and prompted the correct intervention. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion for this treatable condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Zafar
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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11
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Mikowski M, Evans T, Wu L. Reversible Choriocapillaris Flow Voids in Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022; 30:1964-1969. [PMID: 33998963 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2021.1906912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report two cases of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) with choriocapillaris flow voids that partially resolved with systemic antibiotic treatment. METHODS Observational case report with multimodal imaging. RESULTS Two young healthy men suffered an acute monocular loss of vision. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A) revealed outer retinitis with loss of the ellipsoid layer and choriocapillaris flow voids. Systemic work-up revealed syphilis. Upon systemic treatment with antibiotics, the patients recovered their vision and the OCT and OCT-A abnormalities partially resolved. CONCLUSIONS Transient choriocapillaris flow voids characterize ASPPC and may be responsible for the visual loss seen in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Mikowski
- Asociados de Macula, Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Teodoro Evans
- Vitreoretinal Department, Clinica 2020, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Lihteh Wu
- Asociados de Macula, Vitreo y Retina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.,Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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12
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Adaptive Optics Imaging to Analyze the Photoreceptor Layer Reconstitution in Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinopathy. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091361. [PMID: 36143395 PMCID: PMC9504081 DOI: 10.3390/life12091361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute posterior syphilitic placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC) is a rare ocular manifestation of syphilis characterized by outer retinal layers involvement and drop in visual acuity. The current work documents outer retinal layer involvement in this pathology and their reconstitution with treatment by means of adaptive optics (AO). Three eyes of two patients together with four controls eyes were included in the study. Patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) scan centered on fovea, where vessel density (VD) and vessel perfusion (VP) were calculated. AO images centered on fovea were acquired and cone density (CD) and cone spacing (CS) were measured and compared to control group. Multimodal imaging was performed at presentation, at 10 days, and at 2-month follow-up. All eyes improved in visual acuity, with reconstitution in outer retinal layers at 2-month follow-up. Overall choriocapillary layer VD and VP improved. AO imaging was able to identify outer retinal alterations at presentation and at follow-ups, with improvement in tissue architecture. CD and CS was respectively lower and greater than controls at all follow-ups and improved within patients at the 2-month follow-up. In conclusion, AO was able to document outer retinal alterations in ASPPC at presentation and improvement over the follow-up, representing a tool to study photoreceptor layer involvement in this pathology.
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13
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Buscho SE, Ishihara R, Gupta PK, Mopuru R. Secondary Syphilis Presenting as Bilateral Simultaneous Papillitis in an Immunocompetent Individual. Cureus 2022; 14:e28465. [PMID: 36176871 PMCID: PMC9511816 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular syphilis is a common presentation for patients with secondary or tertiary syphilis and usually includes posterior uveitis or panuveitis, though a myriad of symptoms have been associated. We report the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male who presented with fast-progressing vision loss and a new onset of floaters in both eyes. An initial fundus exam revealed only bilateral optic disc edema, and neurological evaluation was negative. Subsequent ophthalmology evaluation in the clinic revealed a ragged retinal pigmented epithelium on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and posterior placoid chorioretinitis, raising suspicion of syphilis. Intravenous penicillin therapy was immediately initiated based on high clinical suspicion of ocular syphilis while awaiting lab confirmation, which was later confirmed as a new syphilis infection. He was subsequently given oral prednisone 48 hours into penicillin therapy for a significant posterior inflammatory response in both his eyes. His visual recovery was drastic due to the timely use of oral steroids. Classical findings such as ragged retinal pigmented epithelium on OCT and posterior placoid chorioretinitis demonstrate strong clinical suspicion of ocular syphilis. Oral prednisone when used timely with penicillin therapy in special situations such as bilateral severe posterior uveitis, panuveitis, or optic neuritis may aid in a faster and smoother visual recovery. A high index of clinical suspicion of ocular syphilis should be maintained in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presenting with uveitis, posterior placoid morphology, or optic disc edema. Oral prednisone may be an effective adjuvant treatment for immunocompetent patients who mount a strong inflammatory response to ocular syphilis infection.
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14
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The multifaceted presentation of syphilitic chorioretinitis examined by multimodal imaging: A case series. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 26:101434. [PMID: 35243169 PMCID: PMC8866844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular syphilis is also known as the ‘great masquerader’ for the wide variety of clinical features associated with this infection. Although chorioretinitis represents the most frequent manifestation in the posterior pole, other clinical entities can be described, including retinal vasculitis, optic disc disorders, necrotizing vasculitis and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (ASPPC).
This latter is an infrequent ocular manifestation of syphilis, whose pathophysiology remains still unknown; however, multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), has enabled us to better describe its pathophysiology and clinical course.
In this study we report a case series of 3 different patients with syphilis-related chorioretinopathies; in this regard, the role of multimodal imaging has emerged has an extremely useful approach in order to better understand the pathophysiology of syphilitic chorioretinopathies. This could help clinicians (both ophthalmologist and infectious disease specialists) to early treat and prevent the severe ocular complications related to this fearsome disease.
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15
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Papasavvas I, Tugal-Tutkun I, Herbort CP. Mechanisms, Pathophysiology and Current Immunomodulatory/Immunosuppressive Therapy of Non-Infectious and/or Immune-Mediated Choroiditis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040398. [PMID: 35455395 PMCID: PMC9031533 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-infectious choroiditis comprises immune-mediated diseases resulting from diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. These conditions are sub-divided into two main groups, (1) diseases of the choriocapillaris and (2) diseases of the choroidal stroma. The purpose of this study is to expose the pathophysiology of the most common diseases of both these groups and recommend the optimal immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapy of each analyzed condition based on literature data and data from our own centers. Material and Methods: Narrative review. In the group of choriocapillaritis entities or primary inflammatory choriocapillaropathies (PICCPs) including multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE), idiopathic multifocal choroiditis (MFC) and serpiginous choroiditis (SC), as well as secondary choriocapillaritides including acute syphilitic posterior multifocal placoid chorioretinitis (ASPMPC) and tuberculosis-related SC (TB-SC), were analyzed. In the group of stromal choroidites, HLA-A29 birdshot retinochoroiditis (BRC) and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease were included. For each entity a literature search, in the PubMed database, on treatment was performed and analyzed and the therapeutic attitudes of our own centers were presented. Management of immune-mediated choroiditis implies vigorous immunosuppressive therapy given in a prompt and prolonged fashion in most of these entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Papasavvas
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialized Care (COS), Rue Charles-Monnard 6, CH-1003 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Turkey;
| | - Carl P. Herbort
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialized Care (COS), Rue Charles-Monnard 6, CH-1003 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Shah K, Fowler BJ, Lin B, Cavuoto KM, Sridhar J. A 56-year-old man with a unilateral central scotoma. Digit J Ophthalmol 2021; 27:56-59. [PMID: 34924885 DOI: 10.5693/djo.03.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khushali Shah
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida
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17
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Herbort CP, Neri P, Papasavvas I. Clinicopathology of non-infectious choroiditis: evolution of its appraisal during the last 2-3 decades from "white dot syndromes" to precise classification. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2021; 11:43. [PMID: 34787732 PMCID: PMC8599546 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-021-00274-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Choroidal imaging investigation techniques were very limited until 2–3 decades ago. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was not suited for the analysis of the choroidal compartment and B-scan ultrasonography did not provide enough accuracy. It was on this background that a purely phenomenological approach was attempted to classify these choroiditis diseases by regrouping them under the vague potpourri term of “white dot syndromes”. With the availability of precise investigational modalities of choroidal inflammation or choroiditis-induced lesions, such as indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) it became possible to better classify these diseases based on clinico-pathological mechanisms rather than on purely phenomenological observation. Recently OCT-angiography has implemented the armamentarium of diagnostic techniques possibly also contributing to the classification of choroidal inflammatory diseases. Based on pioneering pragmatism, the aim of this article was to give a clear classification of non-infectious choroiditis. Thanks to new imaging investigations of the choroid, it is now possible to classify and understand the diverse clinicopathological mechanisms in the group of non-infectious choroiditis entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl P Herbort
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialized Care (COS), Rue Charles-Monnard 6, CH-1003, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Piergiorgio Neri
- The Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Cleveland Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ioannis Papasavvas
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialized Care (COS), Rue Charles-Monnard 6, CH-1003, Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Bierowski MJ, Wang R, Javaid HW, Amin N, Popa AL. Neurosyphilis Presenting as an Atypical Case of Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis in a Young, HIV-Negative Male. Cureus 2021; 13:e17274. [PMID: 34540495 PMCID: PMC8447855 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular syphilis can occur at any time after initial infection and most commonly presents as posterior uveitis or panuveitis, although many other ocular findings have been documented. We present the case of a young, otherwise healthy Caucasian HIV-negative male who presented with acute onset of photopsias, floaters, and a rapidly progressive unilateral scotoma who was originally diagnosed with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and started on a high dose prednisone taper. Although his clinical symptoms improved on corticosteroids, he was later switched to Penicillin G treatment when his blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing demonstrated syphilis as his underlying diagnosis. Given his ocular findings on the exam and reactive syphilitic testing, he was ultimately diagnosed with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC). Our patient's clinical improvement after a high-dose prednisone trial offers further evidence of an autoimmune component to the pathophysiology of ASPPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Bierowski
- Internal Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
| | - Rui Wang
- Ophthalmology, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
| | | | - Neil Amin
- Internal Medicine, Wellspan York Hospital, York, USA
| | - Alina L Popa
- Internal Medicine, Wellspan York Hospital, York, USA
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19
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Kalogeropoulos D, Asproudis I, Stefaniotou M, Moschos M, Gartzonika C, Bassukas I, Konitsiotis S, Milionis H, Gaitanis G, Malamos K, Kalogeropoulos C. Spirochetal uveitis: Spectrum of clinical manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic approach, final outcome and epidemiological data. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 41:4111-4126. [PMID: 34297303 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Analysis of cases with spirochetal uveitis related to spirochetes in a tertiary referral academic center. METHODS Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with uveitis attributed to Treponema pallidum, Leptospira spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi from June 1991 until December 2019. RESULTS A total of 57 cases of spirochetal uveitis (22 patients with T. pallidum, 26 with Leptospira spp., and 9 with B. burgdorferi) that consisted 1% of the overall number of uveitics were recorded. All these cases presented with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations (anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, vasculitis, papillitis, and in some rare cases concomitant posterior scleritis). The treatment included mainly penicillin or doxycycline, while corticosteroids were administered systematically in some cases with Borrelia or Leptospira infection. The final visual outcome was favorable (> 6/10 in Snellen visual acuity) in approximately 76% of our patients. CONCLUSION Despite being rare, spirochetal uveitis can be detrimental for the vision and must always be included in the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Asproudis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Stefaniotou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marilita Moschos
- 1St Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Athens G. Gennimatas, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantina Gartzonika
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Bassukas
- Department of Skin & Venereal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Spiros Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- 1St Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios Gaitanis
- Department of Skin & Venereal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Malamos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chris Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
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20
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Classification of Non-Infectious and/or Immune Mediated Choroiditis: A Brief Overview of the Essentials. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060939. [PMID: 34073914 PMCID: PMC8225100 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The choroid was poorly accessible to imaging investigation until the last decade of the last century. With the availability of more precise imaging methods such as indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and, later, optical coherence tomography (OCT), enhanced depth OCT (EDI-OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA), appraisal of choroidal inflammation has substantially gained in accuracy. This allowed to precisely determine which structures were touched in the different non-infectious choroiditis entities and made it possible to classify this group of diseases, ICGA signs, mainly hypofluorescent lesions, were identified and described. Previous publications have divided angiographic findings into two main sets of signs: (1) irregular “geographic” hypofluorescent areas corresponding to choriocapillaris non-perfusion and (2) round more regular, hypofluorescent dark dots more evenly distributed in the fundus corresponding to more deep choroidal stromal foci. These distinct findings allowed to subdivide and classify choroiditis into choriocapillaritis and stromal choroiditis. Additional signs were identified from EDI-OCT and OCTA examination supporting the classification of choroiditis into choriocapillaritis and stromal choroiditis. Results: Diseases involving principally the choriocapillaris included Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS), Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (APMPPE), Idiopathic Multifocal Choroiditis (MFC), and Serpiginous Choroiditis (SC) as well as mixed forms. Diseases primarily involving the choroidal stroma included HLA-A29 Birdshot Retinochoroiditis (BRC), Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH), Sympathetic Ophthalmia (SO), and Sarcoidosis chorioretinitis (SARC). Thanks to new imaging investigations of the choroid, it is now possible to classify and understand the diverse clinicopathological mechanisms in the group of non-infectious choroiditis entities.
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21
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Oesterle L, Rüesch R, Todorova MG. Diffuse Bilateral Subacute Placoid Chorioretinitis and Hot Optic Disc as Part of Ocular Manifestations of Neurosyphilis: A Case Report. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2021; 238:434-436. [PMID: 33930915 DOI: 10.1055/a-1353-5399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Oesterle
- Ophthalmology, Augenzentrum Wil, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Rüesch
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Kantonsspital St Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Margarita G Todorova
- Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. Ch. Valmaggia), Kantonsspital St Gallen, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland.,Department of Ophthalmology (Chairman Prof. Dr. med. H. Scholl), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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22
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Kumar A, Kumar P, Mishra SK, Goyal S. Unilateral hypopyon associated acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis: Unusual presentation leading to HIV diagnosis. Trop Doct 2021; 51:444-446. [PMID: 33779397 DOI: 10.1177/0049475521998178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis has a wide variety of ocular presentations such as anterior or posterior uveitis, chorioretinitis, retinal vasculitis, retinitis, perineuritis, papillitis, retrobulbar neuritis, optic atrophy and optic nerve gumma. Therefore, it is recommended to test every patient with ocular inflammation for syphilis. It is, however, a relatively rare cause of uveitis in HIV disease. A few studies suggested that HIV contributes to the ocular manifestations of syphilis and HIV co-infection in approximately 30%. Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy is a rare ocular manifestation in immune-competent patients characterised by the development of a deposit in the outer retina. We describe an unusual such presentation with hypopyon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, 29590Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Poninder Kumar
- Department of Ophthalmology, 29590Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Mishra
- Department of Ophthalmology, 214250Army College of Medical Sciences & Base Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Sumit Goyal
- Department of Ophthalmology, 214250Army College of Medical Sciences & Base Hospital, Delhi, India
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23
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Herbort CP, Papasavvas I, Mantovani A. Choriocapillaris Involvement in Acute Syphilis Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis is Responsible for Functional Impairment and Points towards an Immunologic Mechanism: A Comprehensive Clinicopathological Approach. J Curr Ophthalmol 2020; 32:381-389. [PMID: 33553841 PMCID: PMC7861097 DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_184_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the multimodal imaging of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) lesions in order to elucidate their pathophysiology which seems to resemble choriocapillaritis as in primary inflammatory choriocapillaropathies such as multifocal choroiditis (MFC) and acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE). Methods Charts of patients with ASPPC seen in the Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, Lausanne, Switzerland, were retrieved. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and when available, OCT angiography were analyzed and compared to a case of MFC. Results One woman aged 58 and 2 men aged 50 and 31 with unilateral ASPPC were analyzed. All had positive syphilis serologies (venereal disease research laboratory [VDRL] and treponema Pallidum hemagglutination assay [TPHA]). Two were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. Mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.2 ± 0.1 at presentation and 1.0 for all patients 6 weeks later, after antibiotic treatment for neurosyphilis. All had central scotomata with a mean defect (MD) of 12.2 ± 2.6. Six weeks later, MD values were 3.9 ± 1.7. Microperimetry had a mean score of 25/560 at presentation and recovered to a mean of 444/560 6 weeks later. Multimodal imaging features consisted of FA tissue staining, ICGA hypofluorescent choriocapillaris non-perfusion, FAF hyperautofluorescence, and loss of the ellipsoid line in the diseased areas. The findings were consistent and identical in ASPPC and a case of MFC and pointed toward the involvement of the choriocapillaris. Conclusions Similarities seen in multimodal imaging features in ASPPC and choriocapillaritis highlight the role of the choriocapillaris in the pathophysiologic mechanism of both conditions. Inflammatory choriocapillaris non-perfusion triggered by infectious agents seems to be the common pathway through which the eye is reacting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl P Herbort
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, Clinic Montchoisi Teaching Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Papasavvas
- Retinal and Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Centre for Ophthalmic Specialised Care, Clinic Montchoisi Teaching Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Shajry I, Akeely A, AlSulaiman S. Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis in a Saudi Patient. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2020; 27:191-194. [PMID: 33488019 PMCID: PMC7813136 DOI: 10.4103/meajo.meajo_41_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 37-year-old otherwise healthy male presented with paracentral scotoma in his right eye for 1 day with a history of having unprotected sex with multiple partners. The patient was diagnosed to have acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis with multimodal imaging including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography. His condition improved after 2 weeks course of intravenous benzyl penicillin 1.2 g every 4 h in collaboration with infectious disease physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Shajry
- Vitreoretinal, Division King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Akeely
- Vitreoretinal, Division King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulaiman AlSulaiman
- Vitreoretinal, Division King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Casalino G, Erba S, Sivagnanavel V, Lari S, Scialdone A, Pavesio C. Spontaneous resolution of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis: reappraisal of the literature and pathogenetic insights. GMS OPHTHALMOLOGY CASES 2020; 10:Doc26. [PMID: 32676271 PMCID: PMC7332998 DOI: 10.3205/oc000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) is a rare clinical manifestation of ocular syphilis. Spontaneous resolution of this condition has been reported in a few cases. The aim of this manuscript is to report an additional case and to discuss the possible pathogenesis of this condition by reviewing the current evidence on this subject. A 45-year-old man presented to us with decreased vision in the right eye secondary to a placoid macular lesion. Fourteen days after presentation, there was a dramatic improvement of the vision, and multimodal retinal imaging showed almost complete spontaneous resolution of the placoid lesion. Syphilis serology turned out positive and a diagnosis of ASPPC was made. The pathogenesis of ASPPC is unclear, and there is contrasting evidence about the role of the cellular immune system. Since this condition may resolve spontaneously before systemic antimicrobial treatment, the presence of a placoid macular lesion should raise a high suspicion of ASPPC in order to make a timely diagnosis and to avoid progression of untreated syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Erba
- Oftalmico Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Shervin Lari
- Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Carlos Pavesio
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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26
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Chen C, Wang S, Li X. Acute Syphilitic Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis Misdiagnosed as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated Uveitis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2019; 28:1116-1124. [PMID: 31743057 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1649705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The authors report a case of a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient who suffered rapid loss of vision after being misdiagnosed as SLE associated uveitis and treated with glucocorticoid. She was eventually diagnosed with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) after further serological inspection and detailed ophthalmic examination, and gained improved visual acuity through massive penicillin G treatment. Methods: Retrospective review of a case note. Conclusions: Concealment of syphilis history and absence of serological examination, coupled with its rarity, can make the diagnosis of ASPPC extremely difficult, especially when combined with simultaneous systemic or immune diseases. A high index of suspicion for syphilis and timely serological examination are crucial for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Even if the ASPPC shows signs of spontaneous improvement, prompt and sufficient antibiotic treatment remains essential to prevent sight-threatening complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital , Tianjin, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital , Dongying, Shandong, China
| | - Shuya Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Jinan, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Jinan, China.,Department of OphthalmologyShandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases in Universities of Shandong, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Jinan, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital , Tianjin, China
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