Open AccessSyphilis iridocyclitis in a patient with type 1 diabetes
Author(s) -
Comassi Mario,
Natali Andrea,
Solini Anna
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of diabetes investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.089
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 2040-1124
pISSN - 2040-1116
DOI - 10.1111/jdi.12447
Subject(s) - medicine , vitiligo , syphilis , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , insulin resistance , disease , dermatology , immunology , endocrinology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
We present a rare cause of iridocyclitis in a patient with vitiligo and type 1 diabetes who showed poor metabolic control, and suffered from remitting fever, weight loss, fatigue, diffuse arthralgias and reduced visual acuity. Mild systemic symptoms coupled with increased cholestasis enzymes, insulin resistance, mild inflammation and a functioning adrenal gland focused our clinical work‐up on granulomatous causes of iridocyclitis. Specific tests confirmed syphilis, with no involvement of the central nervous system. Ocular syphilis, despite being unusual, can be the only manifestation of the disease. The work‐up of any unexplained ocular inflammation should include testing for syphilis so as to not delay the diagnosis.