CHORIORETINAL INFLAMMATORY DISEASES - Infectious Causes
Ocular Manifestations of Syphilis
Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. This disease can be classified into primary, secondary and tertiary forms. Ocular involvement may be present in all these forms, although the anterior segment is mainly affected in the secondary and tertiary forms.
The ocular manifestations of syphilis include interstitial keratitis, episcleritis, scleritis, iritis, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, neuroretinitis, retinal vasculitis and even exudative retinal detachment. The anterior uveitis is unilateral in 65% of cases and can show iris rose spots.
The characteristic fundus findings are yellow placoid chorioretinal lesions in the posterior pole.