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Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and to assess visual prognosis of patients with syphilis-associated uveitis in northern Spain., Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records in eight general uveitis referral centers., Results: Since the year 2000, 50 patients have been diagnosed: 31 men and 19 women; median age was 41 (19-76) years. A total of 34% were co-infected with HIV and 24% presented systemic manifestations of syphilis. Median initial visual acuity and vision at last visit in 93 affected eyes was 20/50 (20/20-20/2000) and 20/22 (20/20-20/2000), respectively (p < .0001). The most frequent manifestation was papillitis (33.3%). Fifty percent of eyes with macular edema on admission presented worsening of visual acuity at last visit, whereas frequency of worsening in eyes without edema was 7.1% (p = 0.009)., Conclusions: In our series, patients with syphilitic uveitis were more usually middle-aged men and were frequently co-infected with HIV. Although most patients showed posterior segment involvement, visual prognosis was good.

Purpose: The clinical findings and outcomes of 12 cases of luetic uveitis are reported., Methods: Review of clinical records., Results: Patients included 10 men and 2 women; 7 were homosexual, 9 HIV-positive. Six patients presented a medical history suggestive of syphilis. All patients presented with iritis and vitritis. Visual acuity improved in 11 patients after treatment., Conclusions: Syphilis has reemerged in developed countries. This may be related to the post-AID S/HAART era, with a growing pool of HIV-positive men who oftenly practice unsafe sex. We underscore the importance of a high index of suspicion of ocular syphilis in patients with these characteristics.

Background and Objective: Our goal was to analyze the epidemiological and clinical findings, as well as the diagnostic approach in a group of patients in whom uveitis was the first manifestation of sarcoidosis., Patients and Method: Retrospective study (between March 1998 and July 2002) including 31 patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis after an episode of uveitis. The group consisted of 19 females (61%) and 12 males (39%). Mean follow-up was 34.5 months. Age, sex, ocular and systemic clinical findings were recorded. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels were measured and radiological studies of the thorax were conducted including simple radiography (Rx), computerized axial tomography (CT) and gallium scan (67Ga). Biopsy was carried out in 14 patients., Results: Mean age was 59.6 years. Six different clinical presentations of uveitic sarcoidosis were observed, the most common being bilateral panuveitis in 13 patients (42%) and chronic anterior bilateral uveitis in 11 (35%). Gallium scan, thoracic CT and chest radiography were positive in 88%, 77% and 33% cases, respectively. ACE levels were raised in 7 of the 27 patients analyzed (26%). Histological confirmation of disease was obtained in all 14 patients biopsied with a specificity and sensitivity of 100%., Conclusions: Uveitis may be the presenting manifestation of sarcoidosis, especially in women over 60 years of age. Bilateral panuveitis and chronic bilateral anterior uveitis are the most common clinical presentations. The sensitivity of gallium scan and thoracic CT is greater than simple chest radiography in diagnosing pulmonary and mediastinal lesions of sarcoidosis. The need for biopsy should be individualized in each case depending on complementary exams, age and potential morbidity of the procedure.

The article describes the case of posterior scleritis manifesting features of retinal necrosis. The patient was diagnosed of atypical anterior scleritis in the left eye. Through funduscopic examination, the condition was confirmed as subretinal inflammatory infiltration resembling acute retinal necrosis. Treatment involved indomethacin.

Purpose: To describe the first case that the authors are aware of frosted branch angiitis associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. Methods: Case report. Results: A 7-year-old boy presented with bilateral decreased visual acuity. Funduscopy showed a typical image of frosted branch angiitis. He was started on treatment with intravenous steroids and acyclovir. Serological testing was positive for anti-Epstein-Barr virus IgM antibodies. Anti-Epstein-Barr virus IgG antibodies tested positive later. During follow-up, the venous sheathing decreased. Three months later funduscopy showed no abnormalities. Conclusion: Epstein-Barr virus infection should be considered in patients presenting with the typical clinical manifestations of this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]