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Case Reports
. 2016 Jul 28:9:372.
doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-2176-2.

Neurosyphilis as a great imitator: a case report

Liis Sabre  1   2 , Mark Braschinsky  3   4 , Pille Taba  3   4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neurosyphilis as a great imitator: a case report

Liis Sabre et al. BMC Res Notes. .

Abstract

Background: Neurosyphilis is defined as any involvement of the central nervous system by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Movement disorders as manifestations of syphilis have been reported quite rarely.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 42-year-old Russian man living in Estonia with rapidly progressive dementia and movement disorders manifesting as myoclonus, cerebellar ataxia and parkinsonism. The mini mental state examination score was 12/30. After excluding different neurodegenerative causes, further diagnostic testing was consistent with neurosyphilis. Treatment with penicillin was started and 6 months later his mini mental state examination score was 25/30 and he had no myoclonus, parkinsonism or cerebellar dysfunction.

Conclusion: Since syphilis is easily diagnosed and treatable, it should be considered and tested in patients with cognitive impairment and movement disorders.

Keywords: Dementia; Movement disorders; Neurosyphilis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Brain axial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging of the patient (42-year-old male) showing asymmetrical brain atrophy, more pronounced in the right hemisphere
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Electroencephalography demonstrating focal slowing and epileptiform discharges in the right fronto-temporal regions of a 42-year old male
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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