Syphilitic Chorioretinitis

Introduction

Systemic infection due to spirochete Treponema Pallidum, leading to ocular manifestations, such as:
- Interstitial keratitis
- Uveitis
- Chorioretinitis
- Retinitis
- Vasculitis
- Cranial nerve damage
- Optic neuropathies
- Argyll-Roberston Pupil

Dead Giveaways

Chorioretinitis:

Yellowish ill-defined lesions in the mid-periphery/posterior pole
Lesions have faded centre and stippled hyperpigmentation
Lesions coalesce to form confluent larger lesions
Tools to help with diagnosis can include indocyanine green and fundus autofluorescence
Shows the stippled hyperpigmentations
Shows the areas of chorioretinitis and hyperpigmentation

diagnostic features

Referral is necessary, especially if increased risk of serous RRD.

Other Associations:

Associated vitritis
Vasculitis
Retinal haemorrhages
Disc oedema
Serous RRD