Manifest psychosis in neurosyphilis

Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2009 Jul-Aug;31(4):379-81. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2008.09.010. Epub 2008 Oct 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Recent surveys have assessed a remarkable increase in the prevalence of infectious syphilis. If left untreated, 30% of patients may develop tertiary syphilis, which can manifest as neurosyphilis.

Case report: The authors present a case of an acute psychosis during and after pregnancy in a 37-year-old woman, which was identified as a manifestation of neurosyphilis after admission to a psychiatric ward. The positive screening test for syphilis provided the first hint of syphilis and gave direction for further diagnosis and specific treatment. Subsequently, the patient was treated with psychotropic medication concurrent with an adequate antibiotic treatment for neurosyphilis and was simultaneously psychologically monitored. An improvement of psychotic symptoms during antibiotic therapy was observed.

Conclusion: This case emphasises that neurosyphilis still has to be considered in the differential diagnosis within the context of psychiatric conditions and diseases. Owing to current epidemiological data and difficulties in diagnosing syphilis, routine screening tests in the psychiatric field are necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiolipins
  • Cholesterol
  • Delusions / diagnosis
  • Delusions / drug therapy
  • Delusions / etiology*
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis
  • Depression, Postpartum / drug therapy
  • Depression, Postpartum / etiology*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Neurosyphilis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Neurosyphilis / complications*
  • Neurosyphilis / diagnosis*
  • Neurosyphilis / drug therapy
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Physician's Role
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychiatry / organization & administration
  • Schizophrenia, Paranoid / complications
  • Spinal Puncture

Substances

  • Cardiolipins
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • VDRL antigen
  • Cholesterol