Neurosyphilis and High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging: A Powerful Tool to Detect Vasculitis and Neuritis

Neurol India. 2022 Jan-Feb;70(1):160-161. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.338673.

Abstract

Syphilis is a reemergent infection worldwide. There has been a steady increase in incidence across many population groups in the last decades, requiring public health authorities' attention. We report a case of a 67-year-old man with neurosyphilis who presented with abrupt clinical ophthalmic changes and sensorineural hearing loss. The neuroradiological investigation demonstrated cranial nerves and vascular involvement, detected on high-resolution vessel wall imaging in brain magnetic resonance imaging. CSF and blood VDRL test were positive, as well as blood serum fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) and chemiluminescent magnetic microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). A test for the human immunodeficiency virus was negative. The patient was administered intravenous penicillin G for 21 days and was discharged well, with no neurologic signs.

Keywords: High-resolution vessel wall imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; neurosyphilis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuritis*
  • Neurosyphilis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neurosyphilis* / drug therapy
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis / methods
  • Syphilis*
  • Vasculitis*