Chancre of the eyelid as manifestation of primary syphilis, and precocious chorioretinitis and uveitis in an HIV-infected patient: a case report

• Main Authors: Cillino Salvatore, Di Pace Francesco, Trizzino Marcello, Vecchi Valentina, Di Carlo Paola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-09-01
• Series: BMC Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: Ocular syphilis; HIV-infected; Chancre of the eyelid; Bilateral chorioretinitis; Uveitis
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/12/226

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ocular syphilis is often difficult to diagnose because of the wide variation in clinical features.</p> <p>HIV co-infection may further complicate the picture.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Herein the authors report an unusual primary syphilitic ocular lesion in a 45-year-old Italian HIV-infected bisexual man who presented with a unilateral eyelid lesion. Associated precocious signs and symptoms in the posterior segment of both eyes, bilateral chorioretinitis and uveitis, are described. Intravenous penicillin and steroid treatment produced a rapid improvement in clinical status and complete resolution.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Careful questioning about sexual behavior is crucial for unmasking unusual features of ocular syphilis in HIV-infected subjects.</p>