Bilateral Syphylitic Chorioretinitis in a 33-year-old Pervitin User

Overview

Neurochorioretinitis is an inflammatory process affecting the optic nerve, choroid and retina. Neurochoroiditis is the least frequent type of optic neuritis. It is most often associated with viral infections and cat-scratch fever, less common with syphilis and Lyme disease. The authors describe the clinical course of neurochoroiditis in a 33-year-old, otherwise healthy woman who was referred to our clinic with acute decreased central visual acuity (6/60) in the right eye. She had complained of headache, low-grade fever, hoarseness and generalized skin rash four months previously. However, her symptoms had resolved spontaneously. She reported pervitin (methyl amphetamine) abuse within the previous year. Ophthalmic examination disclosed bilateral neurochorioretinitis, perivasculitis and a dusty vitreous haze. Fluorescein angiography revealed vasculitis. Positive direct and indirect treponemal tests confirmed a diagnosis of syphylis. Early recognition of the clinical manifestation of syphilis and prompt commencement of treatment with crystalline penicillin improved functional and anatomical changes in both eyes within four weeks. This data should may helpful in the exact diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The case report illustrates syphilis diagnosed by an ophthalmologist in terms of the atypical form of posterior uveitis.

Key words:
atypical form of posterior uveitis – neurochorioretinitis – neurosyphilis – syphilis