obsolete secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis

Obsolete Secondary Syphilitic Iridocyclitis: A Rare Condition

Obsolete secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis is a rare condition that affects the eye, specifically the iris and ciliary body. It is characterized by inflammation of these areas, which can lead to symptoms such as eye pain, redness, floaters, and blurred vision.

Causes and Symptoms

This condition is caused by the secondary stage of syphilis, a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. The symptoms of obsolete secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis include:

• Eye pain
• Redness
• Floaters (small spots or threads that float in front of the eye)
• Blurred vision

Treatment and Resolution

A skin biopsy was done which disclosed the nodules to be a rare form of secondary syphilis. The patient was treated with topical steroids and a cycloplegic agent, and later prednisone and intravenous penicillin, with eventual resolution of iris mass, iridocyclitis and skin nodules.

Prevalence and Incidence

This condition is relatively rare, but it can occur in individuals who have been infected with syphilis. According to the search results, approximately 35% to 40% of persons with secondary syphilis have asymptomatic CNS involvement such as an abnormal cell count, protein level and glucose level.

References

• [3] Symptoms include eye pain, redness, floaters, and blurred vision.
• [8] Here are some information I found about obsolete secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis: And here are some synonyms were found for it: secondary syphilitic ...
• [10] A skin biopsy was done which disclosed the nodules to be a rare form of secondary syphilis. The patient was treated with topical steroids and a cycloplegic agent, and later prednisone and intravenous penicillin, with eventual resolution of iris mass, iridocyclitis and skin nodules.
• [6] Approximately 35% to 40% of persons with secondary syphilis have asymptomatic CNS involvement such as: an abnormal cell count, protein level and glucose level.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are limited references to "obsolete" or historical manifestations of secondary syphilis-related iridocyclitis. However, I can provide information on the signs and symptoms of iridocyclitis in general, as well as those associated with secondary syphilis.

Iridocyclitis Symptoms

• Acute iridocyclitis: sudden inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, lasting about 4 to 8 weeks [8]
• Chronic iridocyclitis: persistent inflammation, lasting more than 3 months and recurring after treatment [8]
• Recurrent iridocyclitis: repeated episodes of inflammation

Secondary Syphilis-Related Iridocyclitis Symptoms

While there is limited information on "obsolete" manifestations of secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis, it's worth noting that the disease has been associated with various ocular symptoms. According to a 2019 study [10], neuro-ophthalmic symptoms in tertiary syphilis include oculomotor nerve paralysis, optic neuropathy, and retrobulbar neuritis.

However, I couldn't find specific information on "obsolete" or historical manifestations of secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis. It's possible that the term is not commonly used or is outdated.

If you're looking for more information on this topic, I can try to provide a summary of the context provided or search again for relevant information.

Diagnostic Tests for Secondary Syphilitic Iridocyclitis

Secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis is a rare manifestation of syphilis, characterized by inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. Diagnosing this condition can be challenging, but several tests can help confirm the diagnosis.

• Darkfield Examination: This test involves examining a sample from the chancre (the primary lesion) under a darkfield microscope to visualize the spirochetes (Treponema pallidum). A positive result is indicative of syphilis. [1]
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR can be used to detect the genetic material of Treponema pallidum in samples from the chancre or other affected tissues. This test is highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing primary syphilis. [12]
• Treponemal Tests: These tests, such as the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test, detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum in the blood. A positive result indicates a current or past infection with syphilis. [2]
• Nontreponemal Tests: These tests, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests, detect antibodies against substances released by damaged host tissues during an infection with Treponema pallidum. A positive result indicates a current or past infection with syphilis. [3]
• Lumbar Puncture and CSF-VDRL Test: In some cases, a lumbar puncture may be performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing. The CSF-VDRL test can help confirm the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, which is a complication of syphilis that affects the central nervous system. [8]

It's essential to note that a presumptive diagnosis of syphilis requires the use of both nontreponemal and treponemal serologic tests. A positive result from one test should be confirmed by another test to ensure accuracy. [4]

In addition, diagnostic testing for syphilis in high-risk individuals is necessary, regardless of whether or not they are symptomatic, as the disease is highly transmissible. [14]

Treatment Options for Secondary Syphilitic Iridocyclitis

Secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis is a rare but serious complication of untreated syphilis, characterized by inflammation of the iris and ciliary body. The treatment of this condition involves addressing both the underlying syphilis infection and the ocular manifestations.

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Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Secondary Syphilitic Iridocyclitis

Secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis is a rare and obsolete form of syphilis that affects the iris and ciliary body. When considering its differential diagnosis, several conditions should be taken into account.

• Syphilitic uveitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Syphilitic uveitis can present with symptoms such as eye pain, redness, and blurred vision.
• Herpes simplex iridocyclitis: This is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, leading to symptoms similar to those of syphilitic uveitis.
• Traumatic iritis: Trauma to the eye can cause inflammation of the iris, which may be mistaken for syphilitic uveitis.
• Temporal arteritis: This is a condition that affects the blood vessels and can cause inflammation of the eyes, including the iris and ciliary body.

Key Points to Consider

• The diagnosis of secondary syphilitic iridocyclitis requires a combination of clinical findings and laboratory tests, including serologic tests for syphilis.
• A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in differentiating this condition from other causes of uveitis.
• In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, further investigation may be necessary to rule out other conditions.

References

• [3] SY Balcı (2019) reported a patient with unilateral syphilitic intermediate uveitis without dermatological, neurological, or any systemic involvement.
• [8] KO Yalcinsoy (2024) emphasized the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with intraocular inflammation of unknown origin.
• [10] The diagnosis of secondary syphilis remains largely clinical with support by serologic methods.

Note: The above answer is based on the information provided in the search results, specifically:

1. by GE Marx · 2016 · Cited by 36 — The initial differential diagnosis included syphilis, herpes simplex ...
2. by MC Hong · 2007 · Cited by 76 — The diagnosis of syphilitic uveitis was made by at least 1 positive result of serum VDRL and TPHA, together with evidence of an appropriate pattern of active ...
3. by SY Balcı · 2019 · Cited by 6 — We report a patient with unilateral syphilitic intermediate uveitis without dermatological, neurological, or any systemic involvement.
4. by A Sangesland · 2021 · Cited by 6 — Temporal arteritis is an important differential diagnosis to consider in cases of uveitis.
5. by KO Yalcinsoy · 2024 — The importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with intraocular inflammation of unknown origin.

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