Corticosteroid-induced modulation of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of corticosteroid-induced modulation of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis.

Design: Interventional case report.

Method: A 38-year-old homosexual male who presented with a unilateral uveitis secondary to syphilis developed large placoid macular lesions after treatment with oral prednisone that resolved when the corticosteroids were discontinued.

Results: A cause-and-effect relationship was demonstrated between oral prednisone and the appearance of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis.

Conclusions: The clinical appearance of posterior placoid chorioretinitis in syphilis may be modulated by the immune status of the patient.