Neurosyphilis Presenting as an Atypical Case of Posterior Placoid Chorioretinitis in a Young, HIV-Negative Male.

Ocular syphilis can occur at any time after initial infection and most commonly presents as posterior uveitis or panuveitis, although many other ocular findings have been documented. We present the case of a young, otherwise healthy Caucasian HIV-negative male who presented with acute onset of photopsias, floaters, and a rapidly progressive unilateral scotoma who was originally diagnosed with acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR) and started on a high dose prednisone taper. Although his clinical symptoms improved on corticosteroids, he was later switched to Penicillin G treatment when his blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing demonstrated syphilis as his underlying diagnosis. Given his ocular findings on the exam and reactive syphilitic testing, he was ultimately diagnosed with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC). Our patient's clinical improvement after a high-dose prednisone trial offers further evidence of an autoimmune component to the pathophysiology of ASPPC.

Imaging of vascular pseudoaneurysms in the thorax and abdomen.

INTRODUCTION: This review article illustrates a spectrum of arterial pseudoaneurysms that may occur in various locations throughout the thoracoabdominal region. This article discusses the common etiologies and typical clinical presentations of arterial pseudoaneurysms as well as the imaging modalities employed in their diagnosis and potential treatment options. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review article is to familiarize radiologists with the diagnosis of thoracoabdominal arterial pseudoaneurysms, the prompt identification and treatment of which are crucial in this patient population. CONCLUSION: In summary, a thorough understanding of the etiologies, imaging characteristics, and clinical implications of pseudoaneurysms can help optimize identification and management of this spectrum of disease.