Novel and characteristic radiological features of neurosyphilis: a case series.
Treponema pallidum
Case series
Neurosyphilis
Osteosyphilis
Otosyhilis
Radiology
Syphilis
Syphilitic optic neuritis
Journal
BMC neurology
ISSN: 1471-2377
Titre abrégé: BMC Neurol
Pays: England
ID NLM: 100968555
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
20 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
Historique:
received:
31
05
2024
accepted:
15
07
2024
medline:
21
7
2024
pubmed:
21
7
2024
entrez:
20
7
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
Treponema pallidum can invade the central nervous system (CNS) early in its infection, causing neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis typically presents with meningovasculitis in the acute or subacute phase, while tabes dorsalis and dementia paralytica are classical conditions in the later stages. However, syphilis is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as tumors or autoimmune diseases including vasculitis and encephalitis, which is why the condition is known as "The Great Mimicker." The increasing incidence of syphilis in recent years emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment; however, its multiple clinical manifestations impose diagnostic challenges for clinicians because it resembles other diseases. In this case series, we present the impressive manifestations of neurosyphilis through three unique radiological presentations. Case 1 details optic nerve involvement in an HIV-positive male, where MRI and fundoscopic findings confirmed syphilitic optic neuritis. Case 2 describes a patient in her pregnancy initially suspected of acoustic neuroma on MRI, later diagnosed with syphilitic gumma affecting the inner ear canal. Case 3 is a young male with clinical features mimicking temporal arteritis, ultimately identified as skull osteomyelitis secondarily causing inflammation of the musculus temporalis and meningitis. These cases underscore the necessity of considering syphilis in differential diagnoses, given the diversity of its clinical presentations. Radiology plays an important role in avoiding unnecessary interventions. The increasing prevalence of recurrent syphilis imposes diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis by clinicians.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Treponema pallidum can invade the central nervous system (CNS) early in its infection, causing neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis typically presents with meningovasculitis in the acute or subacute phase, while tabes dorsalis and dementia paralytica are classical conditions in the later stages. However, syphilis is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as tumors or autoimmune diseases including vasculitis and encephalitis, which is why the condition is known as "The Great Mimicker." The increasing incidence of syphilis in recent years emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment; however, its multiple clinical manifestations impose diagnostic challenges for clinicians because it resembles other diseases. In this case series, we present the impressive manifestations of neurosyphilis through three unique radiological presentations.
CASE PRESENTATION
METHODS
Case 1 details optic nerve involvement in an HIV-positive male, where MRI and fundoscopic findings confirmed syphilitic optic neuritis. Case 2 describes a patient in her pregnancy initially suspected of acoustic neuroma on MRI, later diagnosed with syphilitic gumma affecting the inner ear canal. Case 3 is a young male with clinical features mimicking temporal arteritis, ultimately identified as skull osteomyelitis secondarily causing inflammation of the musculus temporalis and meningitis.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
These cases underscore the necessity of considering syphilis in differential diagnoses, given the diversity of its clinical presentations. Radiology plays an important role in avoiding unnecessary interventions. The increasing prevalence of recurrent syphilis imposes diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis by clinicians.
Identifiants
pubmed: 39033301
doi: 10.1186/s12883-024-03762-5
pii: 10.1186/s12883-024-03762-5
doi:
Types de publication
Case Reports
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
248Informations de copyright
© 2024. The Author(s).
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