Visual loss resulting from immunosuppressive therapy in patients with syphilitic uveitis

Arq Bras Oftalmol. 2015 May-Jun;78(3):185-6. doi: 10.5935/0004-2749.20150047.

Abstract

Permanent visual loss can be caused by improper use of immunosuppressive therapy in cases of uveitis without differential diagnosis of syphilitic uveitis. We present four cases of syphilitic uveitis that were incorrectly diagnosed as being secondary to rheumatic diseases and were subsequently treated with immunosuppressive therapy, leading to permanent visual loss. These cases highlight the importance of ruling out syphilis in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory ocular diseases before starting use of immunosuppressive therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Syphilis / complications
  • Syphilis / drug therapy*
  • Uveitis / drug therapy*
  • Uveitis / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents