title: Acute syphilitic optic neuritis.
abstract: Two patients experienced acute unilateral visual loss as a manifestation of early infectious (secondary) neurosyphilis. In both cases, optic disc swelling was preceded by the development of a characteristic rash accompanied by mild signs of meningeal inflammation. Other signs of ocular inflammation, such as uveitis or retinal vasculitis, were absent. Optic neuritis may occur as a manifestation of the meningeal inflammation that can accompany secondary syphilis. In such patients, it is important to confirm involvement of the CNS and to institute appropriate antibiotic therapy.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests
chemical_list: D010400:Penicillin G