[The therapy for acute acquired syphilitic uveitis].

PURPOSE: In retrospective study (analysis) to report the effectiveness of therapy on anatomic and functional outcomes in patients with acute acquired syphilitic uveitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

PARTICIPANTS

3 patients (4 eyes) with symptoms of ocular acute inflammation which occurred in latent stage of syphilis are included in our study. In all patients uveitis was the first clinical symptom of syphilis.

METHODS

In all 3 patients the infection of acquired syphilis was diagnosed using specific and non-specific tests for treponemal antibody. In 2 eyes we performed diagnostic and therapeutic pars plana vitrectomy. The management of ocular syphilis in all patients consisted of mega units of aqueous penicillin intravenously or intramusculary, in 2 patients we used the combination with steroids.

RESULTS

In 2 eyes with perioperatively obtained material of vitreous (during pars plana vitrectomy) specific treponemal antibody was detected using specific (TPHA) test. In the third patient infection was verified serologically. The final visual acuity of all 4 eyes is better than or equal to 6/12. The visual acuity of one exe is 6/6.

CONCLUSION

Uveitis and neuroretinitis may be the first symptom of acquired syphilis in latent stage. Early antibiotic treatment significantly improves anatomical reparation of infection and visual outcomes.