Ocular Syphilis Causing Panophthalmitis

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 Mar-Apr;37(2):e69-e71. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000001780.

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which is undergoing a global resurgence since its initial decline in the late 1980s. The authors present the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian female who was transferred to our institution for left-sided orbital cellulitis and ultimately diagnosed with ocular syphilis causing panophthalmitis. She was treated with intravenous penicillin and other broad-spectrum antibiotics, topical prednisolone, and cycloplegia, resulting in full recovery. Timely recognition of ocular syphilis by healthcare professionals is key in the prevention of visual sequelae from the infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Orbital Cellulitis*
  • Panophthalmitis*
  • Syphilis* / complications
  • Syphilis* / diagnosis
  • Syphilis* / drug therapy
  • Treponema pallidum