DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL-SYPHILIS IN ADULTS PRESENTING WITH INTERSTITIAL KERATITIS

In the antibiotic era the ophthalmologist has become less familiar wit h the diagnosis of congenital syphilis. The recognition of this diseas e is crucial, as neurosyphilis or cardiovascular syphilis will develop in a substantial number of patients with latent congenital syphilis w ithout the appropriate treatment. We describe eight patients aged 60 y ears or more who presented with refractive problems in whom cogneital syphilis was subsequently diagnosed for the first time. One patient wa s found to have neurosyphilis and the highest VDRL result ever recorde d by the London Public Health Laboratory. Seven patients required exte nsive antibiotic therapy, an three subsequently underwent successful o cular surgery. These cases illustrate the importance of recognizing th is treatable disease.