Comparison of Electroencephalography in Patients With Seizures Caused by Neurosyphilis and Viral Encephalitis

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of neurosyphilis: analysis of symptoms and risk factors

BACKGROUND

The present study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neurosyphilis and determine the risk factors associated with this condition.

METHODS

A total of 400 patients were enrolled, including 100 individuals diagnosed with neurosyphilis, 100 without neurosyphilis, 100 with latent syphilis, and 100 healthy control subjects. Comparative analysis methods, serum VDRL titration, and correlation analysis were employed during the study.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed significant differences in symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) involvement and serum VDRL titers among the patient groups. For instance, symptoms indicative of CNS impairment were more frequently observed in patients with neurosyphilis, and serum VDRL titers were statistically significantly higher in this same group.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results can be utilized in clinical practice to enhance the accuracy of neurosyphilis diagnosis and management, thereby contributing to the improvement of early detection of this condition and prevention of its complications. The study allows for the inference of the importance of early detection of (CNS) dysfunction symptoms in patients (neurosyphilis) with syphilis and identifies key factors influencing the development of this disease. The findings hold significance for the diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis.

Enhancing clinical awareness: retrospective analysis of neurosyphilis cases and diagnostic predictors for early recognition and treatment

OBJECTIVE

This is a retrospective analysis of clinical data from individuals diagnosed with neurosyphilis, aiming to enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of the disease and expedite early diagnosis and intervention.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical records of 50 patients who received a diagnosis of symptomatic neurosyphilis and were admitted to the Neurology Department during the period spanning January 2012 to December 2022.

RESULTS

Clinical manifestations encompassed diverse phenotypes, with syphilitic meningitis accounting for 16% of cases, characterized by symptoms such as headache, blepharoptosis, paralysis, blurred vision, and tinnitus. Meningovascular syphilis presented in 36% of cases, exhibiting episodic loss of consciousness, limb numbness, and limb convulsion. Paralytic dementia manifested in 36% of cases, featuring symptoms such as memory loss, sluggish response, and slow movement. Tabes dorsalis was observed in 12% of cases, presenting with weakness, numbness, and staggering. Routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis indicated abnormal white blood cell counts in 60% of patients, while biochemical testing revealed abnormal protein content in 52% of patients. Notably, statistically significant differences were observed between patients with interstitial and parenchymatous neurosyphilis (Z = 2.023, P = 0.044) in terms of CSF protein content. Electroencephalogram (EEG) results were abnormal in six patients, and imaging studies unveiled diverse findings in 46 patients.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the importance of neurological and/or ocular symptoms in diagnosing symptomatic neurosyphilis. Individuals with hypomnesia should be closely monitored for potential neurosyphilis. Integrating clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, EEG, and imaging can reduce misdiagnosis. This comprehensive approach shows promise in improving early identification and management of neurosyphilis.