In recent, years, an increase of syphilis infections has become an issue in Korea as well as globally. Herein, we report a recent clinical manifestation of syphilitic uveitis in a Korean population.

Over a 5-year period (2007-2012), we collected and analyzed the medical records of 16 patients with syphilitic uveitis in three tertiary eye clinics in Pusan. Sixteen patients were confirmed to have syphilis based on serological tests. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine the best corrected visual acuity, anterior and posterior segments, and treatment regimen, as well as ancillary test results including fluorescein angiogram (FAG).

Of the 16 patients, 12 were males and four were females. The mean age of the patients was 51.16 years. Non-granulomatous anterior uveitis was observed in nine eyes (47.4%). Vitritis was the most frequently observed posterior segment finding (16 eyes, 84.2%). Retinal vasculitis and chorioretinitis were found in 11 (57.9%) and five eyes (26.3%), respectively. All patients had negative results in the serum HIV antibody test. Of the 16 patients, 15 were treated with penicillin or ceftriaxone due to neurosyphilis. Mean visual acuity improved from 1.33 ± 1.1 to 0.58 ± 0.68 after treatment.

Clinical manifestation of syphilitic uveitis in Korean patients is different from occurrences in Western countries. Ophthalmological findings of syphilitic uveitis are diverse; thus, serological testing for syphilis is recommended for all uveitis patients. Further research regarding long-term treatment, relapse of syphilitic uveitis, and complications is necessary.