[Optic nerve infection caused by syphilis]. / Oogzenuwontsteking door lues.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis, 'the great imitator', can present with a variety of symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old woman attended the hospital clinic for vision problems, preceded by mouth ulcers. Following extensive serological investigations, the diagnosis 'syphilitic optic neuritis' was made. CONCLUSION: It is important to be thoughtful of systemic causes, like syphilis, when patients present with local symptomatology.