
Iritis may be the result of an autoimmune disorder, trauma or a bacterial or viral illness, such as herpes simplex, Lyme disease or HIV/AIDS. The pupils will initially have a sluggish response to light, progressing eventually to a complete. Inflammation of the iris (iritis) Inflammation of the colored part of your eye can lead to abnormally small or oddly shaped pupils as well as other symptoms ( blurry vision, etc.). Symptoms are usually bilateral and have a gradual onset of months to years. Since VDRL is not sensitive, the diagnosis of neurosyphilis can sometimes be challenging, but other clues of course include positive serum nontreponemal or treponemal tests in conjunction with abnormal CSF parameters and clinical signs of neurosyphilis. Argyll Robertson pupil describes the physical exam finding of bilaterally small pupils that do not constrict when exposed to bright light but do constrict when.

Tabes Dorsalis – due to syphilis affecting the posterior columns of the spinal cord and also the dorsal roots. I = Intellect decreased – memory, orientation, judgementĢ. S = Sensorium – hallucinations, delusions

Summarized by the mnemonic PARESIS:Į = Eye (Argyll Robertson Pupil – reacts to accommodation, not light – aka “Prostitute’s Pupil”) General Paresis (of the Insane) – brain cortex is affected many years after infection, leading to progressive dementia, followed by depression, mania, psychosis. Later, the brain and spinal cord parenchyma are affected (this is now Tertiary Syphilis), leading to the two major syndromes below:ġ. In early neurosyphilis, more commonly the meninges are affected (and this is not technically Tertiary Syphilis).
