Misdiagnosed neurosyphilis associated with prolonged psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
After the prevalence of syphilis had reached historic lows, the Center for Disease Control devised a plan to eradicate syphilis in the United States. Since that decree there has been a dramatic rise in new cases. Psychosis is an ominous symptom of neurosyphilis.


METHODS
We report a case of neurosyphilis that was misdiagnosed and staged incorrectly.


RESULTS
Failure to diagnose neurosyphilis was associated with prolonged psychosis that has been refractory to antipsychotic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatrists should renew their vigilance for neurosyphilis in the setting of a positive screening test and psychosis.
School of Osteopathic Medicine,Rowan University,Psychiatry,2250 Chapel Ave,Suite 100,Cherry Hill,NJ,USA.
Justin
J
Faden
School of Osteopathic Medicine,Rowan University,Psychiatry,2250 Chapel Ave,Suite 100,Cherry Hill,NJ,USA.
John
J
O'Reardon
D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009494:Neurosyphilis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013592:Syphilis, Latent / Q000175:diagnosis*
auditory hallucinations; central nervous system; delusions; neurosyphilis; treatment resistance