Ocular syphilis mimicking Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

This case demonstrates the dilemma in the diagnosis of ocular syphilis, as it can mimic many other ocular conditions where initial steroid therapy might complicate the disease course and can worsen the infection. Also, it represents an example of anchoring bias, where a provisional diagnosis resulted in unnecessary treatment that would have worsened her clinical outcomes.

Keywords:

• Corticosteroids
• masquerader
• neurosyphilis
• ocular syphilis
• penicillin
• Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

Disclosure statement/Funding

The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest. Verbal and written consent was obtained from the patient to publish her case report.