Postoperative inflammation as the presenting sign of latent syphilis

Abstract

Purpose: To describe an unusual case of latent syphilis that presented with postoperative inflammation.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 62-year-old African American woman developed persistent postoperative inflammation following cataract surgery. Despite a regimen of topical corticosteroid, the inflammation did not settle. A uveitic workup indicated that the patient had latent syphilis. She was referred to Infectious Disease and the inflammation resolved with intravenous penicillin.

Conclusions: Postoperative inflammation has not previously been reported as the first sign of latent syphilis. This report underscores the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of chronic inflammation, including the postoperative period.