A Case of Ocular Syphilis Mimicking Acute Retinal Necrosis

Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by Treponema pallidum, primarily transmitted through sexual contact and progressing in stages. Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of the disease and may affect all layers of the eye. Although uveitis is the most common manifestation of ocular syphilis, it can mimic other ocular conditions. Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rapidly progressive clinical syndrome, usually caused by herpes viruses, and may lead to severe visual loss. Empirical antiviral therapy is recommended when ARN is suspected. This report presents a rare case of ocular syphilis mimicking the clinical features of acute retinal necrosis.