Rev Bras Oftalmol.2026;85:e0022
HIV and ocular syphilis in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa
DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260022
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to report a case of retinitis pigmentosa in a patient with HIV and ocular syphilis, highlighting the complexity of diagnosis and treatment in overlapping systemic and ocular conditions. A descriptive, qualitative analysis of the patient’s clinical evolution was conducted using medical records and patient interviews. A literature review was performed through PubMed® and SciELO. Data collection followed ethical standards, with informed consent obtained. Treatment with antiretroviral therapy and specific antibiotics for syphilis led to improved visual acuity, reduced VDRL titers (1:128 to 1:32), and immunological recovery. The case raised the suspicion of Usher syndrome due to the patient’s clinical features. This case reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists, infectious disease specialists, and other professionals. A timely and targeted therapeutic approach resulted in favorable outcomes, demonstrating that coordinated care is essential in managing patients with co-infections and chronic or hereditary ocular diseases.
