Atypical syphilitic chorioretinitis and vasculitis

Abstract

Although syphilis is frequently overlooked as a cause of ocular disease, it remains an endemic disease and its incidence is increasing. This article reports on four recent cases of ocular syphilis, including pseudoretinitis pigmentosa, chorioretinitis, and a rare presentation of an isolated retinal vasculitis involving both the arteries and the veins. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and electrophysiologic testing are included. These cases show the diverse manifestations of ocular syphilis, which may involve any structure in the eye, and they demonstrate that atypical presentations are often encountered.