Syphilis and the Monk

Primary orbital aspergillus infection may occur in immunocompetent individuals. It frequently represents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to nonspecific clinical presentations and neuroimaging signs. We present a 47-year-old otherwise healthy man with an isolated unilateral optic neuropathy secondary to primary orbital aspergillosis. He had a remote history of tuberculosis and positive syphilis serologies. After he worsened despite intravenous penicillin therapy, a biopsy showed chronic inflammation. Corticosteroids treatment was followed by further deterioration of his clinical condition. Finally, a repeat biopsy revealed the aspergillus infection. Despite antifungal therapy, the outcome was unfavorable. A high index of suspicion should result in aggressive diagnostic testing and prompt institution of antifungal therapy in patients with primary orbital aspergillosis.