Abstract

ANTEZANA, Ariel O.; ANTEZANA, Alejandro N.  and  TERAN, Carlos G.. Neurosyphilis. Gac Med Bol [online]. 2017, vol.40, n.1, pp.56-58. ISSN 1012-2966.

For decades syphilis and neurosyphilis were considered infrequent conditions; however with the advent of the human immunodeficiency virus the incidence of both diseases have increased. Neurosyphilis could be present in early or late stages of syphilis; the clinical manifestations are varied and will depend on the host response and the length of exposure to the spirochete; this could range from asymptomatic meningitis, to meningoencephalitis, strokes and more chronic conditions such as tabes dorsalis or syphilitic dementia. The key diagnostic approach is a high index of suspicion in patients with risk factors. The only presence of non treponemal studies is not diagnostic of neurosyphilis; it will be necessary to confirm it with treponemal serology and abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positive VDRL and RPR in CSF. The cornerstone of treatment of neurosyphilis is still high doses penicillin and alternatively doxycycline or ceftriaxone.

Keywords : neurosyphilis; meningoencephalitis; tabes dorsalis; syphilitic dementia.

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