RESUMEN
Sexually transmitted infectious diseases could affect a variety of organs, generating significant symptomatology. In the elderly population, infectious causes for vision problems are not generally considered. We present the case of an elderly patient with blurred vision and darkening of visual fields. He underwent an unsuccessful biopsy of the temporal artery as his vision disturbances presented also with episodic headaches. He was found to have an elevated rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test in his cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. He was treated for ocular syphilis with a total resolution of his vision loss.
RESUMEN
Pericardial effusion is a relatively common cardiac pathology associated with various infectious and non-infectious etiologies. In developed countries, viral pericarditis and idiopathic reasons are the two most common causes of this condition. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is prevalent in developing countries and is the most common cause of pericardial effusion in these regions. Parasitic and bacterial etiologies are encountered less frequently. In this report, we describe the case of a large pericardial effusion in a patient with HIV and latent tuberculosis (TB). Pericardiocentesis and analysis of pericardial fluid did not reveal any specific etiology, indicating viral or idiopathic pericarditis as an etiology. We also present an analysis of global data related to pericardial effusion in HIV/AIDS patients, and the impact that the increasing availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide over the last three decades had had on it. The CD4 count has been described as an essential factor for the prognosis of this condition. Patients with lower CD4 count levels would be at higher risk of severe pericardial effusion.