Ocular syphilis: the new epidemic

http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v20/n6/abs/6701954a.html

Clinical Study

Eye (2006) 20, 703-705. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701954; published online
3
June 2005

Ocular syphilis: the new epidemic

The authors have no proprietary or financial interest in any product,
drug, instrument, or device discussed in this article

J P Doris1, K Saha1, N P Jones1 and A Sukthankar2

1. 1Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK
2. 2Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK

Correspondence: NP Jones, The Royal Eye Hospital, Oxford Road,
Manchester M13 9WH, UK. Tel: +44 161 276 5628; Fax: +44 161 272 6618;
E-mail: nicholas.jones@xxxxxxxxxxx

Received 8 April 2005; Accepted 23 April 2005; Published online 3 June
2005.

Abstract

Aim

To present the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of
syphilitic uveitis in the context of an epidemic of syphilis in the UK.
Method


Retrospective clinical case series.


Results

Six new cases of syphilitic uveitis presented to the Manchester Uveitis

Clinic in 2004, after a 15-fold increase in the incidence of syphilis
in
the UK, including 615 cases in Greater Manchester in the 5 years to
2004. Four cases had secondary syphilis, two had latent disease, two
had
no rash, and two were HIV positive. Ocular involvement included
anterior
or panuveitis, retinitis, retinal vasculitis, and papillitis. All
resolved on treatment including intramuscular procaine penicillin G
with
oral probenecid.


Conclusions

Syphilis is much more common recently and syphilitic uveitis should be
considered in all patients with rash and/or headache, where there is
retinitis and/or retinal vasculitis, or in any uveitis of uncertain
origin. Treatment is that of neurosyphilis.
Keywords:

syphilis, ocular syphilis, uveitis, retinitis

.