SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Are You Seeing This: Ocular Syphilis

Pdf Summary

The case describes a patient with ocular syphilis. Fundoscopic exam showed swelling, and lumbar puncture revealed elevated CSF protein (61), suggesting possible neurosyphilis involvement. An initial broad infectious workup was started, and the patient was discharged after clinical improvement. However, subsequent results returned positive for syphilis, with an RPR titer of 1:128 and a positive FTA-ABS. The patient was then informed of the diagnosis and returned to the hospital for treatment.<br /><br />The report highlights that syphilis can affect the eye and nervous system, and ocular symptoms may be an early or presenting feature. Because ocular syphilis is treated as neurosyphilis, timely recognition and treatment are important to prevent vision loss and other complications. The cited references include the 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines, Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, and a review of laboratory diagnosis of syphilis.

Asset Subtitle

Ross Larson

Meta Tag

Author List Anna Schwab, Candice Hanna, Cole Syverson, Karen Purewal, Perminder Sanghera, Ross Larson

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Ocular Syphilis

Concept Syphilis

Concept Vision Loss

Concept Syphilis Serology

Concept Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Abrazo Internal Medicine Residency

Presenting Author Ross Larson

Track Adult

Keywords

ocular syphilis

neurosyphilis

fundoscopic swelling

lumbar puncture

CSF protein

RPR titer

FTA-ABS

syphilis diagnosis

vision loss

STI treatment guidelines

Ocular Syphilis

Syphilis

Vision Loss

Syphilis Serology

Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption