Ocular and oto-syphilis: not a thing of the past

Papalini, Chiara; Cagini, Carlo; Ricci, Giampietro; Pasticci, Maria Bruna

doi:10.1007/s15010-017-1019-y

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…However, our patient's scleral injection and tinnitus also suggest concurrent ocular and otologic syphilis. Instances of concurrent otologic and ocular syphilis, such as in our case, are exceedingly rare, with few case reports in the literature [9][10][11]. Our patient notably did not report any symptoms of early classical neurosyphilis, such as headache or photophobia, nor did his neurologic exam show any abnormalities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 47%

All Eyes and Ears: A Case of Neurosyphilis Presenting With Simultaneous Ocular and Otic Involvement

Zhang,

Bahrami,

Ricketts

2024

Cureus

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This report details a case of neurosyphilis manifesting as concurrent ocular and otosyphilis, an uncommon presentation of the disease. Here, we describe the diagnosis and treatment of a 27-year-old immunocompetent Caucasian male who presented with uveitis and tinnitus. Physical exam was consistent with uveitis and audiometric testing revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) was reactive at 1:512 with a follow-up cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test likewise reactive at 1:2, confirming neurosyphilis. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin G with improvement of symptoms and with subsequent improvement of serum and CSF RPR. However, he ultimately represented with recurrent symptoms and fluctuating serum RPR levels, necessitating repeat treatment and ongoing clinical monitoring. Neurosyphilis can occur at any point during the course of a syphilis infection and may present with a variety of nonspecific findings. This case documents a particularly uncommon instance of simultaneous ocular and otosyphilis, a presentation of neurosyphilis that has only been described a handful of times.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 47%

All Eyes and Ears: A Case of Neurosyphilis Presenting With Simultaneous Ocular and Otic Involvement

Zhang,

Bahrami,

Ricketts

2024

Cureus

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“…This stage includes a large diversity of signs and can mimic other diseases. 1,6–9 Skin lesions are the most common manifestation 1,6 and can include macular, maculo-papular, nodular, pustular, and papulo-squamous rash and a mix of all types. At the same time, any organ can be involved 1,6–9 and also nails.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1,6–9 Skin lesions are the most common manifestation 1,6 and can include macular, maculo-papular, nodular, pustular, and papulo-squamous rash and a mix of all types. At the same time, any organ can be involved 1,6–9 and also nails. 1,3–5 The fingernail changes observed in this patient were similar to those known as onychia sicca syphilitica.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-primary nail-plate syphilis in an HIV-infected patient

Gabrielli

Cardaci

Malincarne

et al. 2018

SAGE Open Medical Case Reports

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A 37-year-old Caucasian male, HIV-infected (CDC A2) in 2012 and on antiretroviral therapy, presented for a follow-up visit. On physical examination, a barely discernible light-colored macular rash was observed on the trunk, not involving the palms and soles. However, clear maculo-papular lesions were present over the proximal volar aspect of both forearms. Furthermore, well-demarked purplish, opaque, rough, vertically ridged plaque-like lesions were observed over the proximal portions of fingernails. The patient reported that cutaneous and nail lesions had appeared about 2 months prior and that he had engaged in unprotected sex 5 months before. Serologic tests for syphilis resulted reactive. Intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G, 2.4 million units, was administered once a week for 3 weeks. One month after therapy, the rash was no longer present, and at 5 months, nail abnormalities had disappeared. The clinical findings, the serologic results, and the disappearance of skin and nail lesions after the administration of penicillin strongly suggest that this HIV-infected patient had secondary or early late syphilis with skin and nail-plate involvement. We are experiencing a resurgence of syphilis as well as an increase in unusual and/or forgotten clinical manifestations. Syphilis remains a diagnostically challenging disease

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