Simultaneous ocular and osseous syphilis: a case report / Sífilis com envolvimentos ocular e ósseo simultâneos: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT Syphilis is a reemerging and potentially serious disease. Owing to its ubiquity and pleomorphism, it is called "the great imitator". We report the case of a young woman with secondary syphilis who presented with bilateral acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinopathy along with a syphilitic skull periostitis. A pachymeningeal enhancement was observed on magnetic resonance imaging, but we believe it was an extension of the bone process rather than a meningitis itself on the basis of the normal cerebrospinal fluid analysis results. Treatment with intravenous crystalline penicillin resulted in complete resolution of the signs, symptoms, and imaging findings. Secondary syphilis is the stage with the highest bacteremia and the highest transmissibility, presenting mainly with mucocutaneous disorders and, less frequently, with involvement of other organs. High suspicion and a pragmatic approach are essential to the diagnosis because this disease can affect several organs, as in the present case, in which the eyes, bones, and skin were affected.

RESUMO A sífilis é uma doença reemergente e potencialmente grave. Por sua onipresença e pleomorfismo, é denominada "grande imitadora". Relatamos caso de paciente jovem com sífilis secundária, que se apresentou com coriorretinopatia placóide sifilítica posterior aguda bilateral, simultaneamente a periostite craniana sifilítica. A despeito de realce paquimeníngeo observado na ressonância magnética, acreditamos que este tenha sido uma extensão do processo ósseo e não, uma meningite em si, uma vez que o exame do líquido cefalorraquidiano estava completamente normal. Tratamento com penicilina cristalina intravenosa resultou em completa resolução dos sinais, sintomas e achados de imagem. A sífilis secundária é o estágio de maior bacteremia e maior transmissibilidade da doença, apresentando-se principalmente com quadros mucocutâneos, mas também, menos frequentemente, com envolvimento de outros órgãos. Elevada suspeição e uma abordagem pragmática são necessárias para o diagnóstico, uma vez que essa doença pode afetar vários órgãos, como no caso relatado, em que foram acometidos olhos, ossos e pele.

Clinical observation on the evolution of fundus lesions in different subtypes of serpiginous choroiditis / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical evolution process and imaging characteristics of choroidal lesions in different subtypes of serpiginous choroiditis (SC), and to explore the clinical significance of subtype classification.Methods:A retrospective, uncontrolled and observational study. A total of 45 eyes of 25 SC patients diagnosed in Yunnan Eye Hospital from May 2009 to September 2021 were included in the study. According to the initial location of the lesion and fundus images, including fundus color photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and other examination results. SC was divided into peripapillary serpiginous choroiditis, macular serpiginous choroiditis and ampiginous choroiditis. According to the shape of the lesions at the first diagnosis, it can be divided into new lesions with only infiltrating edema, old lesions with only atrophy and recurrent lesions with coexistence of edema and atrophy. the imaging features, development and complications of different subtypes of ocular lesion were observed.Results:Among the 45 eyes of 25 cases, 15 cases were male and 10 cases were female, 20 cases of binocular and 5 cases of monocular, age was 42.3±5.7 years old. There were 21 eyes with active lesions, of which 5 eyes were new lesions and 16 eyes with recurrent lesions; 24 eyes were old lesions. Concurrent optic disc edema occurred in 3 eyes; mild vitreitis occurred in 5 eyes; retinal occurred vasculitis in 3 eyes; choroidal neovascularization occurred in 3 eyes. Among the 16 cases (64%, 16/25) of the peripapillary serpiginous choroiditis, 2 cases (2 eyes) were monocular, and 14 cases (28 eyes) were binocular. Active lesions were found in 16 eyes, of which patients with binocular lesions only one had active lesions. The choroidal lesions that were close to the optic disc or around the optic disc, expanded outwards centrifugally with the prolongation of the disease course, and can progress to the macula. The edge of the lesion was tortuous, with a geographic-like, amoeboid-like and finger-like, polypoid or propeller-like shape. Active lesions in FFA showed weak fluorescence in the early stage and strong fluorescence in the late stage; the old lesions showed weak fluorescence in the early stage and mottled fluorescence in the late stage, and mostly strong fluorescence on the edge. OCT showed thickening of active lesions and thinning of old lesions. Among the 4 cases (16.0%, 4/25) of macular type, 2 cases (2 monocular eyes) had active lesions; 2 cases (4 eyes) had lesion in both eyes, among them, 1 case (2 eyes) had old lesion, and the other case had alternate active lesions. The initial lesions were all located in the off-center of the macula, and most of them were disk-shaped and progressing centrifugally to the periphery. The FFA and OCT imaging findings of the lesions were similar to those of the peridisc type. Among the 5 cases (20.0%, 5/25) of ampiginous choroiditis, 1 case (1 eye) was monocular and 4 cases (8 eyes) were binocular. These lesions were multiple old lesions of varying sizes, gray-white with pigmentation, with clear borders in the posterior pole. Among them 4 eyes have new active lesions appeared near the old lesions. The old lesions showed weak fluorescence with clear borders, and the fluorescein leakage at the late edge formed a strong fluorescence ring; the active lesions showed weak fluorescent spots with blurred edges, and the fluorescence was slightly enhanced in the late stage. In old lesions, atrophy of the photoreceptor layer, RPE and choroid can be seen, and RPE hyperplasia in some areas.Conclusions:SC subtype is a classification of the location of the first lesion, but the characteristics of the repeated attack of this disease can lead to the annihilation of each subtype due to the continuous expansion of the lesion. The phenomenon that the fundus active lesions only occur in one eye that can explain the clinical manifestations of asymmetric morphology of binocular lesions. The characteristics of binocular subtype warn that the predilection site of the healthy eye should be paid attention to.

Pseudoretinitis pigmentosa due to syphilis: a case report and literature review / Pseudorretinose pigmentária por sífilis: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Ocular involvement can occur at any time, and it may affect 10% of patients in the secondary stage, and from 2% to 5% in the tertiary stage. Uveitis is the most common presentation of ocular syphilis, affecting 0.4% to 8% of patients with systemic disease. Chorioretinitis is the most common posterior alteration. We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient, presenting with bilateral low visual acuity and nyctalopia for 3 years. His physical examination revealed decreased pupillary reflex, anterior vitreous cells, physiologic papillae, arteriolar attenuation, reduced foveal reflex, diffuse retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, peripapillary and perivascular punctate pigment accumulation and peripheral chorioretinitis. Full-field electroretinogram was extinct in both eyes. Treponemal syphilis test was positive. Previously diagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa, evolved to blindness, despite proper treatment. Our case shows syphilis as a significant cause of blindness. Atypical presentations of retinitis pigmentosa must warn ophthalmologists to etiologies of pseudoretinitis pigmentosa, such as syphilis.

RESUMO A sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível causada pela espiroqueta Treponema pallidum. A sífilis ocular pode ocorrer em qualquer estágio da doença, chegando a 10% na forma secundária e a 2% a 5% em sua forma terciária. A uveíte é a manifestação ocular mais comum, ocorrendo em 0,4% a 8% dos pacientes com a doença sistêmica. A coriorretinite é a manifestação mais comum do segmento posterior. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 53 anos, com queixa de baixa acuidade visual e nictalopia há ٣ anos. Seu exame físico revelou lentificação dos reflexos pupilares, celularidade no vítreo anterior, papilas fisiológicas, atenuação arteriolar, redução do reflexo foveal, atrofia difusa do epitélio pigmentar da retina, acúmulo punctato de pigmento em regiões peripapilar e perivascular e coriorretinite periférica. Eletrorretinograma de campo total extinto em ambos os olhos. O teste treponêmico foi positivo. Foi previamente diagnosticado como portador de retinose pigmentar, evoluindo com cegueira, a despeito do tratamento correto instituído. Esse caso mostra a sífilis como importante causadora de cegueira. Casos atípicos de retinose pigmentar devem alertar o oftalmologista para causas de pseudorretinose pigmentar, como a sífilis.

Unilateral choroidal tuberculoma as an initial manifestation of presumed ocular tuberculosis: a case report / Tuberculoma coroidal unilateral como manifestação inicial de tuberculose ocular presumida: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Choroidal tuberculomas are present in patients with ocular tuberculosis. They usually occur in a patient with previous history of tuberculosis, and are rarely the initial presentation, with no prior systemic manifestations. We present a patient with unilateral choroidal tuberculoma as the initial presentation of presumed ocular tuberculosis, which enabled earlier initiation of treatment.

RESUMO Os tuberculomas de coroide apresentam-se em pacientes com tuberculose ocular. Geralmente, ocorrem em indivíduos com história prévia de tuberculose e raramente têm apresentação inicial sem manifestações sistêmicas anteriores. Relatamos o caso de um paciente com tuberculoma de coroide unilateral com apresentação inicial de tuberculose ocular presumida, permitindo o início mais precoce do tratamento.

Toxoplasmosis ocular: aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos en edad pediátrica / Ocular Toxoplasmosis: clinical-epidemiological aspects in pediatric age

RESUMEN Introducción: a nivel mundial la toxoplasmosis ocular es la causa más frecuente de uveítis posterior, se detecta principalmente en niños y adultos jóvenes. Objetivo: determinar las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la toxoplasmosis ocular en pacientes de edad pediátrica de la provincia Pinar del Río, en el período 2012-2018. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico transversal en 39 pacientes con toxoplasmosis ocular, atendidos en consulta de Uveítis del Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría" entre enero 2012 y diciembre de 2018. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, síntomas, hallazgos clínicos, complicaciones y agudeza visual. Se resumieron los datos con porcentajes y se estableció asociación estadística. Resultados: la enfermedad resultó más frecuente en pacientes de 15 a 18 años (46,2 %). Las condiciones de riesgo resultaron la mala calidad del agua de consumo (100 %), y la inadecuada manipulación los de alimentos (89,7 %). Existe asociación con un nivel de significancia del 10 % (p=0,066) entre síntomas y tipo de uveítis según localización anatómica. También se detectó asociación entre MAVC con localización anatómica (p=0,001), tamaño de la lesión (p=0,011) y en menor grado con clasificación anatómica (p=0,083). La presencia de cicatriz en área macular y vasculitis se presentó en un 33,3 % y 12,8 % respectivamente. Conclusiones: la presencia de malas condiciones higiénicas resultó frecuente. Las lesiones retinianas en el área macular contribuyeron a las complicaciones y secuelas reportadas. La prevención y el tratamiento oportuno, son las mejores maneras de disminuir la ceguera por toxoplasmosis en edad pediátrica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: ocular toxoplasmosis is the most frequent cause of posterior uveitis of known etiology in the world, mainly in children and young adults. Objective: to determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of ocular toxoplasmosis in pediatric patients in Pinar del Río province in the period 2012-2018. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 39 patients with ocular toxoplasmosis, who were treated at the Uveitis clinic of Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Teaching Hospital between January 2012 and December 2018. The variables studied were: age, sex, risk factors, symptoms, clinical findings, complications and visual acuity. Results: the disease was more frequent in patients between 15 and 18 years old (46,2 %). Risk conditions were poor quality of drinking water (100 %), and inadequate food handling (89,7%). There is association with a significance level of 10% (p=0,066) between symptoms and type of uveitis according to anatomical location. There was also association between CVMA with anatomical location (p=0,001), extent of the lesion (p=0,011) and to a lesser extent with anatomical classification (p=0,083). The presence of scar in macular area and vasculitis was evident in 33,3 % and 12,8% respectively. Conclusions: the presence of poor hygienic conditions was frequent. Prevention and timely treatment are the best ways to reduce blindness due to toxoplasmosis in children.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. Case report and review of the literature / Enfermedad de Vogt Koyanagi Harada. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

ABSTRACT Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease affects several parts of the body, such as eyes, meninges, ears, and skin. The progressive course of the disease can lead to blindness and deafness. The case is presented of a Hispanic woman (mixed-race) with visual alterations, headache, tinnitus, hearing loss, and posterior uveitis with serous detachments of the retina in both eyes, as well as lymphocytic meningitis. The aim of the present study is to review the literature, the diagnostic strategies, and the appropriate treatment, as well as to update the immunogenetic pathogenesis of the disease.

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Vogt Koyanagi Harada compromete múltiples órganos tales como ojos, meninges, oídos y piel. El curso progresivo de la enfermedad puede llevar a ceguera y cofosis. Se describe un caso de esta enfermedad en mujer hispana (mestiza) con alteraciones visuales, cefalalgia, tinnitus e hipoacusia a quien se le encuentra uveítis posterior con desprendimientos serosos de retina en ambos ojos y meningitis linfocitaria. El objetivo del presente estudio es, mediante una revisión de la literatura, actualizar la patogénesis inmunogenética, conocer las estrategias diagnósticas y el tratamiento apropiado.

Unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in a patient with a strongly positive purified protein derivative test / Epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda unilateral na presença de reação forte positiva para o teste tuberculínico

ABSTRACT A 27-year-old man presented with a complaint of decreased visual acuity in the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/60 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Right eye fundoscopy revealed mild vitritis, multifocal yellowish lesions, and macular serous retinal detachment. Left eye evaluation was normal. Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy was diagnosed in the right eye. Complementary exams revealed a strong reaction to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis purified protein derivative test, thus treatment for tuberculosis was initiated. Baseline fluorescein angiography of the right eye revealed early hypofluorescence and late staining of the lesions. Optical coherence tomography of the right eye demonstrated the accumulation of subretinal and intraretinal fluid associated with cystoid macular edema. During follow-up, the retinal fluid and cysts disappeared, which was followed by disorganization of foveal interdigitation and ellipsoid zones. This is the second described case of unilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy in a patient with a strong positive result to the M. tuberculosis purified protein derivative test.

RESUMO Um homem de 27 anos apresentou uma queixa de diminuição da acuidade visual no olho direito. A acuidade visual melhor corrigida foi 20/60 no olho direito e 20/20 no olho esquerdo. A fundoscopia do olho direito revelou vitreíte leve, lesões amareladas multifocais e descolamento seroso da retina em região macular. A avaliação do olho esquerdo foi normal. Epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda foi diagnosticada no olho direito. Os exames complementares revelaram forte reação ao teste do derivado proteico purificado Mycobacterium tuberculosis, iniciando terapia antibiótica contra tuberculose. A angiografia fluoresceínica basal do olho direito revelou hipofluorescência precoce e tardia das lesões. A tomografia de coerência óptica do olho direito demonstrou fluído sub- e intrarretiniano associado a edema macular cistóide. Durante o seguimento, os fluídos e cistos retinianos desapareceram, seguido da desorganização das zonas de interdigitação e elipsóide em região foveal. Este é o segundo caso descrito de epiteliopatia pigmentar placóide multifocal posterior aguda unilateral em um paciente com um forte resultado positivo para o teste tuberculínico.

Ocular sarcoidosis masked by positive IgM for toxoplasmosis / Sarcoidose ocular mascarada por IgM positivo para toxoplasmose

ABSTRACT We report a case of ocular sarcoidosis with positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG serology for toxoplasmosis. The patient was a young female with red painful eyes, bilateral eyelid edema, and panuveitis with periphlebitis. In laboratory testing, she was IgM and IgG positive for toxoplasmosis and anergic in the tuberculin test. Topical treatment for anterior uveitis and oral antibiotics for toxoplasmosis were started, without improvement. Orbit tomography showed increased lacrimal glands bilaterally, and chest X-ray radiographic findings were consistent with pulmonary sarcoidosis, which supported the presumed ocular sarcoidosis diagnosis. The patient was treated with oral prednisone and methotrexate without antibiotics. She showed clinical and vision improvement without recurrences during the 1-year follow-up. Ocular sarcoidosis is an important differential diagnosis requiring careful anamnesis and ophthalmological examinations. Ancillary tests, such as X-ray radiography, tomography, and clinical and laboratory evaluations may help rule out other causes. Treatment mainly consists of corticosteroids and immunosuppression.

RESUMO Relatamos um caso de sarcoidose ocular com IgM e IgG positivos para toxoplasmose. Mulher jovem com quadro ocular bilateral de dor, vermelhidão, edema palpebral e panuveíte com periflebite. Os testes laboratoriais mostraram IgM e IgG positivos para toxoplasmose, teste tuberculínico anérgico. Realizou-se tratamento tópico da uveíte anterior e antibióticos orais para toxoplasmose, sem melhora. Tomografia de órbita mostrou aumento das glândulas lacrimais bilaterais e radiografia de tórax foi consistente com sarcoidose pulmonar, auxiliando no diagnóstico de sarcoidose ocular presumida. Iniciou-se prednisona e metotrexato orais, sem antibióticos, com melhora clínica e oftalmológica, sem recidivas em 1 ano de follow-up. Sarcoidose ocular é um importante diagnóstico diferencial que exige anamnese e exame oftalmológico cuidadosos. Exames complementares, como raio-X, tomografia computadorizada e avaliação clínica e laboratorial ajudam na avaliação e exclusão de outras causas. O tratamento consiste principalmente no uso de corticosteróide e imunossupressores.

Multimodal fundus imaging in patients of syphilitic posterior uveitis at different stages / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe the fundus imaging characteristics of different stages of syphilitic posterior uveitis. Methods Retrospective cases series. Forty-six eyes of 32 patients with syphilitic posterior uveitis were included. There were 14 patients (16 eyes) and 18 patients (30 eyes) were assigned to acute stage group (with the course<2 months) and chronic stage group (with the course≥2 months) respectively. All eyes received the examination of indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients received regular anti-syphilitic treatment. Color fundus photography and OCT were followed after treatment. The fundus imaging characteristics of different stages of syphilitic posterior uveitis were observed. Results Indirect ophthalmoscopy and fundus color photography showed that in the acute stage group, there were 3/16 eyes with optic disc edema;4/16 eyes with a yellowish, placoid lesion involving the macular. There were only some pigment alterations on the fundus after treatment. In the chronic stage group, there were 4/30 eyes with optic disc hyperemia, 3/30 eyes with cystoid macular edema. After treatment, the optic hyperemia vanished gradually, but there were still some pigment alterations. The FFA images of two groups showed various vascular leakages. In the chronic stage group, patients also showed hyper-fluorescence with cystoid macular edema. The patients with course 2–3 years have more transmitted fluorescence on FFA. OCT showed that all eyes in the acute stage group had lost the ellipsoid zone, with irregular granular reflectivity of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer, 6 eyes with subretinal fluid in the macular. After treatment, the ellipsoid zone and RPE layer structure recovered gradually. In the chronic stage group, all eyes showed widespread loss of the ellipsoid zone, pigment migration and (or) cystoid macular edema. After treatment, the ellipsoid zone showed partial recovery. The outer ellipsoid zone was still discontinuous in patients with long duration. Conclusions Syphilitic posterior uveitis patients generally had normal fundus, but some cases had a yellowish, placoid lesion involving the macular. FFA showed various vascular leakages, and the chronic stage group showed more transmitted fluorescence. The major OCT change was loss of the ellipsoid zone or with subretinal fluid. After treatment, fundus showed no abnormal manifestations except some pigment alterations;the ellipsoid zone structure recovered gradually in acute stage eyes, partially recovered in chronic stage eyes.

Yellowish dots in the retina: a finding of ocular syphilis? / Pontos amarelados na retina: um achado da sífilis ocular?

Here we report the occurrence of pale yellowish perivascular preretinal dots in 12 patients with ocular syphilis. A case series of these patients was examined between March and October 2012 at the Uveitis Sector of Universidade Federal de São Paulo. After diagnostic confirmation of syphilis, fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to verify the localization of the dots, and patients were treated with IV crystalline penicillin for 14 days. The study comprised 11 men (91.6%), 19 eyes, median presentation age of 38.1 years, and panuveitis as the main clinical manifestation (seven patients, 58.3%), being bilateral in four. Ten patients were taking oral prednisone (83.3%). Serum panels performed by the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) showed positive results in eight patients (66.7%), whereas VDRL cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests were negative in seven of nine collected (77.8%). However, serum FTA-Abs was positive in 100% of patients, and eight patients (66.7%) had HIV infection. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) presented after treatment improved in 10 eyes (55.6%), did not change in seven eyes (38.9%), and worsened in one eye (5.6%). Although not yet acknowledged in the literature as a typical manifestation of ocular syphilis, these are very common findings in clinical practice. We believe that preretinal dots are due to perivasculitis secondary to treponema infection. It is important recognize them and remember that syphilis can present in several forms, including the one presented in this study.

Relatar a ocorrência de pontos amarelo-esbranquiçados perivasculares pré-retinianos em 12 pacientes com sífilis ocular. Série de casos de 12 pacientes examinados entre março e outubro de 2012 no setor de uveítes da UNIFESP. Após confirmação diagnóstica de sífilis ocular, retinografias e OCT (optical coherence tomography) foram realizados para verificar a localização dos pontos e os pacientes foram tratados com penicilina cristalina IV por 14 dias. Dados demográficos incluíram 11 homens (91,6%), 19 olhos, mediana de idade de 38,1 anos, e a manifestação clínica principal foi panuveíte (7 pacientes, 58,3%), sendo bilateral em 4. Dez fizeram uso de prednisona oral (83,3%). VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) sanguíneo foi positivo em 8 pacientes (66.7%), VDRL no líquor foi negativo em 7 de 9 coletados (77,8%), FTA-Abs sanguíneo foi positivo em 100% e 8 pacientes (66,7%) eram HIV positivos, AV após tratamento melhorou em 10 olhos (55,6%), não se alterou em 7 (38,9%) e piorou em 1 olho (5,6%). Embora ainda não reconhecida na literatura como uma manifestação típica da sífilis ocular, este achado é muito comum na prática clínica. Acreditamos que esses pontos são devidos a perivasculite secundária à infecção pelo treponema. É importante os reconhecer e lembrar que a sífilis pode se apresentar de várias formas, incluindo essa apresentada aqui.

Ocular clinical characteristics and treatment of latent syphilis with posterior uveitis as the initial symptom / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background In patients with syphilis,one of the common manifestations is uveitis.However,the lack of understanding on syphilic posterior uveitis may result in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.Objective This study was to assess ocular clinical features,treatment and prognosis in patients who had latent syphilis and presented with posterior uveitis as the initial symptom.Methods A serial cases-observational study was designed.Twelve patients(19 eyes)who were diagnosed as syphilis from September 2011 to January 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients were characterized by initial posterior uveitis before the final diagnosis.The clinical manifestation,management and prognosis were evaluated and analyzed.All patients were informed of this study and consented with the use of their data for this retrospective study.Results The patients presented with initial clinical signs of acute or chronic posterior uveitis and lacked systemic syphilis symptom.Bilateral posterior uveitis were found in 7 patients and unilateral in 5 patients.The dust-like and grey-white opacification in vitreous was seen by threemirror contact lens in all the patients.Mild hyperemia of the optical disc was found in 10 eyes with the unclear peripapillary boundary.Yellow-white lesions were observed in retinas of 7 eyes and retinal punctuate hemorrhage was in 1 eye.Fundus fluorescein angiography demonstrated fluorescine staining or hyperfluorescence of optic disc in all of the 19 eyes,and fluorescein leakage from vein in 18 eyes,retinal pigment epithelium dye pooling in 6 eyes and cystoid macular edema in 11 eyes.Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) were performed and presented positive results in all patients.The visual acuity improved in 19 eyes and partly elevated in 2 eyes following a standard therapy for neurosyphilis was used,including penicillin and/or small doses of glucocorticoid.Conclusions The serological examination for syphilis should be considered for patients with unexplained uveitis.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important for the improvement of prognosis in syphilitic posterior uveitis.

Compromiso ocular en la enfermedad de Chagas congénita: Cases report / Ocular involvement in congenital Chagas disease

El compromiso ocular es una forma de presentación infrecuente en los niños con la enfermedad de Chagas congénita. Se presentan tres pacientes menores de dos meses de edad con compromiso ocular, todos ellos derivados al hospital para control oftalmológico por prematuridad. El diagnóstico oftalmológico fue de vitreítis bilateral intensa (uveítis posterior) asociada a enfermedad de Chagas. Se realizó tratamiento antiparasitario, con buena respuesta en los tres casos. Debe considerarse la enfermedad de Chagas como diagnóstico diferencial de una patología ocular en los lugares donde la enfermedad es endémica y solicitar una evaluación oftalmológica en los niños con diagnóstico de la enfermedad, en especial aquellos sintomáticos y con antecedente de prematuridad.

Ophthalmic compromise is infrequent in children with congenital Chagas disease. We present 3 patients under 2 months of age, with ocular involvement, all of them referred to the hospital for ophthalmic evaluation of the premature newborn. The ophthalmic finding was bilateral severe vitreitis (posterior uveitis) related to Chagas disease. They received antiparasitic therapy with a good outcome in all cases. Chagas disease must be considered as differential diagnosis of ocular pathology in those countries where the pathology is endemic, and fundoscopic evaluation must be done in those children with the diagnosis, especially those symptomatic and prematurely born.

Toxoplasmosis ocular: Presentación de dos casos / Ocular toxoplasmosis: Presentation of a case

La toxoplasmosis ocular es la causa más frecuente de uveítis posterior de etiología conocida, caracterizada por recurrencias que conllevan a una pérdida significativa de la visión. La manifestación ocular más frecuente es la coriorretinitis, tanto en una primoinfección como en la recidiva de una forma congénita. Se presentan dos casos que acuden a la consulta de oftalmología de la clínica José Martí Ballenita, en Ecuador, por pérdida brusca de visión. A los mismos se les diagnosticó esta enfermedad. El desempeño del oftalmólogo en el diagnóstico precoz de la misma es de vital importancia, para la aplicación de la terapia, tipo de droga a utilizar y duración del tratamiento de forma individualizada con las drogas de elección, y lograr así una consecuente rehabilitación visual.

The ocular toxoplasmosis is the most frequent cause of posterior uveitis of identified etiology, characterized for recurrences leading to a significant loss of vision. The most frequent ocular manifestation is the chorioretinitis, in a first infection and also in recidivism of a congenital form. We present two cases assisting the ophthalmologic consultation of the clinic José Martí Ballenita, in Ecuador, because of an abrupt loss of vision. The diagnosis of both cases was this disease. It is very important the performance of the ophthalmologist in the precocious diagnosis of the ocular toxoplasmosis, to begging the therapy, determine the kind of drugs to use and the continuation of the treatment with the chosen drugs in an individualized form, reaching that way a consequent visual rehabilitation.

Clinical features and outcomes of AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy / Características e evolução clínica da retinite por citomegalovírus em pacientes com AIDS na era da terapia antirretroviral potente

PURPOSE: To describe the features and outcomes of patients with AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis after highly active antiretroviral therapy availability. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 30 consecutive patients (44 eyes) with AIDS and newly diagnosed, active AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis, examined from January 2005 to December 2007. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.8 years, 18 patients (60.0 percent) were male and median duration of AIDS was 90 months. Nineteen patients (63.3 percent) had evidence of highly active antiretroviral therapy failure and median CD4+ lymphocyte count was 12.5 cells/µl. Visual acuity at presentation was 20/40 or better in 27 eyes (61.4 percent). Retinitis involved Zone 1 in 13 eyes (39.5 percent). Despite specific anti-AIDSrelated cytomegalovirus therapy, 16 eyes (36.4 percent) presented relapse of retinitis and 10 eyes (22.7 percent) lost at least three lines of vision. When compared to highly active antiretroviral therapy responsive patients, eyes of highly active antiretroviral therapy failure patients were more likely to develop relapse of retinitis (p=0.03) and loss of at least three lines of vision (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The patients in this series are essentially young men with longstanding AIDS, non-responsive to highly active antiretroviral therapy and with a similar immunological profile as noted before highly active antiretroviral therapy era. These findings have implications for the management of the disease and confirm the magnitude of rational periodic screening after diagnosis of AIDS.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as características e evolução clínica de pacientes com retinite por citomegalovírus relacionada à AIDS após o advento da terapia antirretroviral potente. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de 30 pacientes consecutivos (44 olhos) com AIDS e retinite por citomegalovírus ativa recém-diagnosticada, atendidos entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2007. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 34,8 anos, 18 pacientes (60,0 por cento) eram do sexo masculino e a mediana do tempo de diagnóstico de AIDS era 90 meses. Dezenove pacientes (63,3 por cento) apresentavam evidência de falência da terapia antirretroviral potente e a mediana da contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ era 12,5 células/µl. A acuidade visual inicial era melhor ou igual a 20/40 em 27 olhos (61,4 por cento). A retinite acometia a Zona 1 em 13 olhos (39,5 por cento). Apesar da terapia antirretinite por citomegalovírus específica, 16 olhos (36,4 por cento) apresentaram recidiva da retinite e 10 olhos (22,7 por cento) perderam pelo menos três linhas de visão. Quando comparado aos de pacientes com boa resposta à terapia antirretroviral potente, olhos de pacientes com falência à terapia antirretroviral potente apresentaram mais recidiva da retinite (p=0,03) e perda de pelo menos três linhas de visão (p=0,03). CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes nesta série são essencialmente homens jovens com longo tempo de diagnóstico de AIDS, má resposta à terapia antirretroviral potente e com um perfil imunológico semelhante ao encontrado antes do advento da terapia antirretroviral potente. Estes achados têm implicações no manejo da doença e confirmam a importância da triagem periódica e racional após o diagnóstico de AIDS.

Características clínicas de 64 indivíduos portadores de uveítis posterior activa presumiblemente toxoplásmica en Pernambuco / Clinical characteristics of 64 individuals carrying active posterior presumptively toxoplasmic uveitis, in Pernambuco

OBJETIVO: Describir características clínicas de uveítis posterior activa, presumiblemente por Toxoplasma gondii (UPAPT) en portadores de lesión típica. Estudio tranversal. MÉTODOS: 64 portadores de UPAPT con retinocorroiditis cicatrizada y lesión satélite activa, mayores de 10 años, inmunocompetentes, examinados en Permambuco, Brazil. Se analizó: sexo, edad, color de la piel, procedencia, uveítis anteriores, agudeza visual, presión ocular y exámen ocular. RESULTADOS: Masculino en 52 por ciento. Edad media 29 años (±10,87). Piel blanca en 68,8 por ciento. Domicilio en la área metropolitana en 80,4 por ciento. Primer episodio de uveítis en 56,2 por ciento. Media de visión en ojo afectado 20/200. Presión ocular media 14,5 mmHg (±7,64) en ojo afectado. Conjuntiva hiperemiada en 29,7 por ciento. Alteraciones corneales en 51,6 por ciento. Células en el humor acuoso en 67,2 por ciento. Sinéquias posteriores en 6,2 por ciento. Compromiso vítreo en 100 por ciento. Vasculitis retiniana en 45,3 por ciento. Lesiones localizads en la zona I de Holland en 42,2 por ciento, siendo de tamaño igual o mayor de un diámetro de disco en 90,6 por ciento. Neuritis en 28,2 por ciento. CONCLUSIÓN: UPAPT afecta adultos jóvenes, siendo el síntoma principal la disminución de la visión. Presión ocular media normal. Compromiso vítreo en todos los casos. Com mayor frequencia las lesiones fueron mayores de un diámetro de disco localizadas en la zona I de Holland.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical characteristics of posterior active uveitis presumptively by Toxoplasma gondii (PAUPT) in patients with typical lesion. Tranversal study. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with retinochoroiditis scatter and active satellite lesions examined in Pernambuco, Brazil. All were older than 10 years and immunocompetent. Gender, age, skin color, and residence were recorded. Previous uveitis, visual accuracy, intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular examination were analyzed. RESULTS: 52 percent were males, most of them with white skin (68.8 percent). Mean age 29 years (±10.87). Eighty-four percent of the patients lived in the metropolitan area. 56.2 percent were having the first episode of uveitis. In the damaged eye, visual accuracy mean was 20/200, IOP mean 14.5 mmHg (±64). Hyperemia of the conjunctiva was observed in 29.7 percent of the patients and alterations of the cornea in 51.6 percent. There were cells in the aqueous humor in 62.7 percent. 6.2 percent had posterior synechiae. All had vitreous damage and 45.3 percent retinal vasculitis. In 42.2 percent of the patients, lesions were located in zone I of Holland and 90.6 percent had the size of one discus diameter or greater. Neuritis was observed in 28.2 percent. Uveitis was more frequent in the right eye (54.7 percent). CONCLUSION: PAUPT affects young people and the main symptom was reduction of visual acuity. IOP mean was normal. Alterations of the vitreous were observed in all cases. Injuries were equal to one discus diameter or greater and located in zone I of Holland.

Evidências sorológicas e experimentais da resposta autoimune humoral contra a retina em uveites causada por Toxoplasma gondii / Experimental and serological evidence of humoral autoimmune response against retina in Toxoplasma gondii uveitis

A toxoplasmose ocular é atribuída ao parasita, mas a auto-imunidade pode participar do processo. Soros humanos com IgG positiva para T. gondii mostraram níveis altos de IgG anti-retina para diferentes antígenos, se comparados com soros negativos para T. gondii, uveítes de outras origens também tiveram títulos elevados. Hamsters imunizados e/ou infectados não mostraram estes anticorpos sem mimetismo antigênico. A retinocoroidite por Toxoplasma induz resposta humoral auto-imune contra antígenos da retina, provavelmente piorando o efeito direto do agente. Estes anticorpos podem ser usados como marcadores de doença ocular em pacientes soropositivos para toxoplasmose pela triagem de lesão ocular.

Ocular toxoplasmosis is attributed to the parasite, but autoimmunity could have a role in this process. Human sera, positive of anti-T. gondii IgG, show high levels of anti-retina IgG, measured by several antigens, as compared to T. gondii seronegative samples. Sera from patients with uveitis from other origins also had higher anti-retina abs levels. Challenged and/or immunized hamsters showed low anti-retina abs levels, without antigen mimicry. Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis presents a humoral anti-retina abs, probably worsening the parasite direct effect. Those antibodies could be used as markers of eye involvement in toxoplasmosis seropositive patients, as a screening for eye examination.