Bilateral tonic pupils associated with neurosyphilis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To describe 4 patients with bilateral tonic pupils in neurosyphilis.

CASES:

Four young men had pupillary abnormalities, which involved irregular shapes, large sizes, tonic reactions, and vermiform movements of both pupils with light-near dissociation. Cholinergic supersensitivity defined bilateral tonic pupils.

OBSERVATIONS:

Neurosyphilis was diagnosed in these patients on the basis of ocular and laboratory findings.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bilateral tonic pupils may be important as initial findings in neurosyphilis. We conclude that patients with bilateral tonic pupils should undergo serologic tests for syphilis.

• Authors: Tsutomu Sakai, Keigo Shikishima, Tokihide Mizobuchi, Masaki Yoshida, Kenji Kitahara
• Journal: Japanese journal of ophthalmology (Jpn J Ophthalmol) 2003 Jul-Aug Vol. 47 Issue 4 Pg. 368-71 ISSN: 0021-5155 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 12842205 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (cytology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
• Humans
• Leukocytosis (diagnosis)
• Male
• Neurosyphilis (complications, diagnosis)
• Tonic Pupil (diagnosis, etiology)