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This abstract is assigned to session SBO-BOG Posters session >> in Poster area - Foyer +1

Title

Retrobulbar optic neuritis with positive syphilitic tests and imaging lesions suggesting a multiple sclerosis. A case report.

Purpose	To describe a case of retrobulbar optic neuritis suggesting a multiple sclerosis associated with a secondary syphilis.
Methods	Ophthalmological, neurological, biological and radiological findings are described in a 30-year-old man with right retrobulbar optic neuritis.
Results	The ophthalmologic examination revealed a decrease of visual acuity with loss of colour vision on the right eye, intraocular inflammation and visual field defect on both eyes. Brain MRI showed multiple T2/FLAIR hyperintense non enhancing lesions that fulfilled 2 of the 4 Barkhof criteria for the diagnosis of MS. Oligoclonal bands were detected in the CSF while the IgG-albumin index was normal. Blood VDRL, TPHA and FTA were all positive.
Conclusion	As optic neuritis, oligoclonal bands and white matter abnormalities can be found either in syphilis or in MS, clinicians should be cautious when interpreting the biological workup. This case highlights the importance of syphilitic serology in the management and in the differential diagnosis of optic neuritis and MS.

Author 1

Last name	KISMA
Initials	N
Department	HOPITAL ERASME
City	BRUXELLES

Author 2

Last name	VOKAER
Initials	M
Department	HOPITAL ERASME
City	BRUXELLES

Author 3

Last name	BALERIAUX
Initials	D
Department	HOPITAL ERASME
City	BRUXELLES

Author 4

Last name	SCHROOYEN
Initials	M
Department	HOPITAL ERASME
City	BRUXELLES