Case Report: Multimode Imaging of Chronic Syphilitic Chorioretinitis

Abstract

Significance The clinical manifestations of ocular syphilis may mimic those of other diseases, which may result in a missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. Purpose We describe multimodal imaging findings and treatment outcomes of a patient with chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis. Case Report A 40-year-old male patient complained of progressive decreased visual acuity of his left eye for over one year. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right eye and 3/50 in the left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defect and 1+ vitreous cells were detected in the left eye. The authors performed fundus examination, fluorescence angiography, ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence, structure optical coherence tomography, widefield montage optical coherence tomography angiography and visual field. Laboratory tests including a toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST; 1:32) and the Treponema pallidum antibody (9.01S/CO) were positive. The diagnosis of chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis was diagnosed in both eyes. The patient was admitted for administration of intravenous penicillin G for 14 days, followed by intramuscular benzathine penicillin G weekly for three doses. Six months after treatment, the TRUST ratio had decreased to 1:2 (positive). BCVA was 20/20 in the right eye and 6/20 in the left eye. The re-examination results showed the ocular structure and capillaris flow partially recovered. Conclusions Chronic syphilitic chorioretinitis profoundly affects the structure of the retina and choroid; however, eyes may partially recover after effective treatment. Ultra-widefield imaging technology has several advantages, such as broader imaging field and more details provided, in determining syphilis induced ocular disorders.