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Kuma A, Tadesse SA, Girma A. Meningovascular Syphilis Presenting as Acute Ischemic Stroke in an HIV + Young Adult: A Case Report and a Brief Literature Review. Int Med Case Rep J 2024; 17:581-586. [PMID: 38854842 PMCID: PMC11162190 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s455675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Meningovascular syphilis, a distinct classification of neurosyphilis, has gained attention for its association with cerebral ischemia, particularly among individuals living with HIV. This unique manifestation of syphilis affects the meningeal and vascular structures of the central nervous system, leading to cerebrovascular complications. In this case report, we present the case of a young man diagnosed with neurosyphilis and HIV after presenting with an ischemic stroke. We discuss the challenges associated with diagnosing neurosyphilis, given its frequent atypical presentations that can mimic other diseases. Furthermore, we explore the management approach for these coexisting conditions. Case Presentation A right-handed male patient presented with a sudden paresis of the right upper and lower extremities, along with facial deviation to the left, and demonstrated low verbal output, limitation in constructing sentences, and conveying thoughts or ideas effectively. Upon admission, the patient's neurological examination revealed a FOUR coma scale of 16. He exhibited motor aphasia, right facial paralysis sparing the forehead, and right upper and lower extremity spastic hemiparesis with a strength of 3 out of 5 on the Medical Research Council scale. The Plantar reflex was positive on the affected side. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed left middle cerebral artery infarction (cortical and lenticulostriate territory acute infarction). Conclusion This case highlights the need for treating physician to have a high index of suspicion towards meningovascular syphilis as a potential cause of stroke in young individuals. This is crucial, especially when there is also a concurrent HIV infection, as it requires specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abera Kuma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Sinetibeb Amsalu Tadesse
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Abdulkerim Girma
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Balaji S, Chakraborty R, Aggarwal S. Neurological Complications Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Associated Opportunistic Co-infections: A Review on their Diagnosis and Therapeutic Insights. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:284-305. [PMID: 37005520 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230330083708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurocognitive disorders associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals increase the risk of mortality and morbidity that remain a prevalent clinical complication even in the antiretroviral therapy era. It is estimated that a considerable number of people in the HIV community are developing neurological complications at their early stages of infection. The daily lives of people with chronic HIV infections are greatly affected by cognitive declines such as loss of attention, learning, and executive functions, and other adverse conditions like neuronal injury and dementia. It has been found that the entry of HIV into the brain and subsequently crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) causes brain cell damage, which is the prerequisite for the development of neurocognitive disorders. Besides the HIV replication in the central nervous system and the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy on the BBB, a range of opportunistic infections, including viral, bacterial, and parasitic agents, augment the neurological complications in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Given the immuno-compromised state of PLHIV, these co-infections can present a wide range of clinical syndromes with atypical manifestations that pose challenges in diagnosis and clinical management, representing a substantial burden for the public health system. Therefore, the present review narrates the neurological complications triggered by HIV and their diagnosis and treatment options. Moreover, coinfections that are known to cause neurological disorders in HIV infected individuals are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivaraman Balaji
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research-Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Rohan Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sumit Aggarwal
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research-Headquarters, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
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3
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King CJ, Ngo TH, Constante M. Meningovascular Neurosyphilis Presenting as Multiple Ischemic Infarcts in a Young Adult. Cureus 2023; 15:e36405. [PMID: 37090294 PMCID: PMC10115213 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurosyphilis occurs when the spirochete Treponema pallidum invades the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Clinical presentation depends on an individual's immune response and invasion location, with all possible involvement of meningeal, vascular, and/or parenchymatous tissues. Meningovascular neurosyphilis occurs when both the meninges and vasculature are affected and can lead to headaches, photophobia, neck stiffness, cranial nerve palsies, and/or ischemic brain infarctions due to infectious arteritis. The following report describes the rare case of a 32-year-old male patient presenting with multiple ischemic brain infarctions of varying ages. The stepwise diagnostic approach as described allowed the medical team to reach the final diagnosis of meningovascular neurosyphilis with concomitant acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining high clinical suspicion in all young adult patients who present with acute neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa H Ngo
- Neurology, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurosyphilis (NS) and Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) are spirochetal diseases with distinct clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of NS remains challenging due to imperfect diagnostic criteria and testing modalities. With LNB, misconceptions about diagnosis and treatment lead to considerable morbidity and drug related adverse effects. RECENT FINDINGS Although studies continue investigating alternate approaches and new diagnostic tests for NS, few data exist to change current approaches to diagnosis, management or follow up. In the diagnosis of LNB, the chemokine CXCL13 shows promising diagnostic accuracy. A systematic review discourages the use of cell-based assays when investigating Lyme disease. Clinical studies show no benefit from extended antibiotic treatment for patients with unspecific symptoms labelled as having Lyme disease. SUMMARY The diagnosis of NS may be delayed due to a lack of specificity of findings, low suspicion for syphilis, and/or similarities in presentation to other diseases. A high index of suspicion for syphilis is required provide timely diagnosis and management of NS. Fortunately, penicillin remains the treatment of choice. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment in patients labelled as having Lyme disease can be avoided by an evidence-based approach towards diagnosis and treatment.
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Seay HL, Khallouf L, Lieberman A, Jubbal SS. An Unusual Case of Neurosyphilis Manifesting as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2021; 22:e929050. [PMID: 33589580 PMCID: PMC7897592 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.929050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 56-year-old Final Diagnosis: Neurosyphilis Symptoms: Abdominal pain • constipation • nausea Medication: Penicillin Clinical Procedure: Colonoscopy with colon biopsy • CT scan • lumbar puncture • MRI Specialty: Infectious Diseases • Medicine, General and Internal
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Seay
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Loura Khallouf
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alyson Lieberman
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sandeep S Jubbal
- Department of Hospital Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Smibert OC, Jenney AWJ, Spelman DW. Management of neurosyphilis: time for a new approach? Intern Med J 2018; 48:204-206. [PMID: 29415349 DOI: 10.1111/imj.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Given the long term sequelae of untreated neurosyphilis and insensitive tests to detect treponemes in the cerebrospinal fluid, questions regarding the utility of a lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis either to confirm or exclude neurosyphilis are raised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C Smibert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam W J Jenney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denis W Spelman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Hobbs E, Vera JH, Marks M, Barritt AW, Ridha BH, Lawrence D. Neurosyphilis in patients with HIV. Pract Neurol 2018; 18:211-218. [PMID: 29478035 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2017-001754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis is a resurgent sexually transmitted infection in the UK that is disproportionately diagnosed in patients living with HIV, particularly in men who have sex with men. Syphilis appears to present differently in patients with HIV, particularly in those with severe immunosuppression. Progression to neurosyphilis is more common in HIV coinfection and can be asymptomatic, often for several years. The presentations of neurosyphilis vary but can include meningitis, meningovascular disease, general paresis and tabes dorsalis. There is debate about the circumstances in which to perform a lumbar puncture, and the current gold standard diagnostics have inadequate sensitivity. We recommend a pragmatic approach to lumbar punctures, interpreting investigations and deciding when to consider treatment with a neuropenetrative antibiotic regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hobbs
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Jaime H Vera
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Lawson Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew William Barritt
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, Haywards Heath, UK
| | - Basil H Ridha
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, Haywards Heath, UK
| | - David Lawrence
- Lawson Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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de Bruijn S, Kenyon C, Léonard N, Vlieghe E. The big imitator strikes again: a case report of neurosyphilis in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV. Acta Clin Belg 2017; 72:372-374. [PMID: 28220718 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2017.1290890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosyphilis is the result of an infection of the central nervous system caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Its clinical presentation includes meningovascular syphilis, tabes dorsalis, and dementia paralytica, resulting in a wide range of symptoms such as psychosis, Parkinsonism, and depression. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old male was admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of social withdrawal and self-neglect, indicative of a major depression. A routine HIV-test was positive and resulted in an admission to the Antwerp University Hospital. Clinical examination showed Argyll Robertson pupils, a wide-based gait, absence of vibration sense in the lower limbs, and a MMSE-score of 25/30. Blood analysis revealed a CD4+ count of 99 cells/μL and a HIV viral load of 2,13 × 105 copies/mL plasma. A serum TPHA (T. pallidum hemagglutination assay) titre of 1/20480 and RPR (rapid plasma reagin) titre of 1/128 were detected. TPHA and RPR titre in the cerebrospinal fluid were, respectively, 1/10240 and 1/4. A brain MRI showed diffuse cortical atrophy and lesions in the white matter compatible with HIV-encephalopathy. The diagnoses of advanced HIV-infection and late neurosyphilis were made. HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) and high-dose IV penicillin G were started. CONCLUSION In all patients with new-onset dementia or untreatable psychosis, neurosyphilis should always be considered. Argyll Robertson pupils are regarded as pathognomonic of neurosyphilis. The management of neurosyphilis includes high-dose IV benzyl penicillin for 10 to 14 days. Close follow-up including a lumbar puncture after 6 months is warranted to ensure treatment recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sévérine de Bruijn
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Chris Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Léonard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Erika Vlieghe
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Neurosyphilis with Concomitant Cryptococcal and Tuberculous Meningitis in a Patient with AIDS: Report of a Unique Case. Case Rep Infect Dis 2017; 2017:4103858. [PMID: 28928997 PMCID: PMC5591983 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4103858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningitis in individuals living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is most frequently infectious in origin and usually due to opportunistic infections. The most common pathogens are Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treponema pallidum causes neurosyphilis and can complicate HIV infections at any time after the initial infection. Simultaneous infections of the central nervous system caused by these pathogens are very uncommon even in the setting of severe immunosuppression. We report the case of a newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS young man who was found to have neurosyphilis with Cryptococcus meningitis. After a few weeks of treatment and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, he was also diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, which was probably unmasked by the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of reported neurosyphilis and meningitis caused concomitantly by Cryptococcus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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Chen MY, Klausner JD, Fairley CK, Guy R, Wilson D, Donovan B. Syphilis: a fresh look at an old foe. Sex Health 2015; 12:93-5. [PMID: 27470617 DOI: 10.1071/sh15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis remains a pressing public health problem globally across different populations including men who have sex with men and pregnant women. It is timely to review what international surveillance data tell us and the evidence behind public health interventions aimed at controlling syphilis. A reinvigorated response to the re-emergence of syphilis is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for World Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, Le Conte Avenue, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Christopher Kit Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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