Subacute multicranial neuropathy revealing an early case of meningeal syphilis

Neurol Sci. 2015 Jun;36(6):1033-4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-015-2125-1. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Abstract

We report a case of neurosyphilis presenting with meningitis and subacute multicranial neuropathy in a young immune-competent man. Signs of primary and secondary stages of syphilitic infection occurred almost contemporarily in our patient. MRI revealed the involvement of several cranial nerves. CSF examination proved to be diagnostic. Syphilitic meningitis should be considered among the differential diagnoses of subacute, multicranial neuropathy, or skull base meningitis. The clinical course of this patient shows that early diagnosis and treatment warrant a good neurological outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cranial Nerves / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurosyphilis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Neurosyphilis / diagnosis*
  • Polyneuropathies / diagnosis*

Supplementary concepts

  • Syphilitic aseptic meningitis