Solitary sarcoid granuloma of the iris mimicking tuberculosis: a case report

The many faces of ocular syphilis: case-based update on recognition, diagnosis, and treatment

In recent years, syphilis (Treponema pallidum) has become increasingly prevalent in Canada, and as a result, rates of ocular syphilis are also rising. Classically, syphilis was seen primarily in men who have sex with men; now, it is increasingly seen in people of all age groups, sexes, and sexual orientations. We present a series of 26 cases of ocular syphilis from London, Ontario, 5 of which are discussed in detail to illustrate the varied presentations and diagnostic challenges of ocular syphilis. The presentations include uveitis, iris granuloma (gumma), retinitis (acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis), vasculitis, optic neuritis, and serous retinal detachment. The 5 cases are mostly middle-aged heterosexual men and women without the typical risk factors that would alert the examiner to suspect syphilis. We emphasize the importance of testing for syphilis when assessing and treating inflammatory eye disease, regardless of demographics and known risk factors, given the increasing prevalence of this disease. Diagnosis of syphilis relies on serologic testing, which is complex and has undergone significant changes from historical reliance on the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test. We provide an overview of the strategy and rationale for modern serologic testing. The mainstay of treatment remains intravenous penicillin G, with alternative antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone) being less effective.

Isolated Ocular Sarcoidosis Mimicking Ring Melanoma

We report the case of a 25-year-old female, who presented with a large, pale tumor of her ciliary body that extended to >180° of the anterior chamber angle. All preoperative examinations including ultrasound biomicroscopy, scleral transillumination, and MRI indicated melanoma. A thorough systemic work-up was negative. A diagnosis of ring melanoma was suspected, and the patient was scheduled for enucleation. However, perioperative frozen section indicated granulomatous inflammation. The enucleation was cancelled, and a subtenon injection of triamcinolone was administered, which resulted in the disappearance of the tumor. Together, the findings meet the criteria for the diagnosis of isolated ocular sarcoidosis. This case demonstrates that a sarcoid granuloma can mimic all clinical features of a ring melanoma. Therefore, a biopsy should be done before destructive surgery is carried out.