Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
10:03
Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery
Published on: November 5, 2019
[Meningovascular syphilis: study of five cases]
A Bourazza1, A Kerouache, R Reda
1Service de neurologie, hôpital Militaire d'instruction Mohammed-V, Rabat, Morocco. ahmed_21s@yahoo.fr
Revue Neurologique
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Syphilis can cause ischemic stroke, even in young adults. Routine syphilis testing is recommended for unexplained strokes in younger individuals to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection) presents with diverse clinical symptoms.
- Neurosyphilis, a complication of syphilis, is increasingly recognized.
- Ischemic stroke is a significant neurological event, particularly in younger populations.
Observation:
- Five male patients aged 37-44 years presented with ischemic stroke.
- Three patients reported a history of genital chancre.
- Clinical presentations included stroke-like symptoms and intellectual deterioration.
Findings:
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic meningitis and positive syphilis serology in all patients.
- Brain imaging confirmed ischemic lesions in all five cases.
- Cerebral angiography showed vasculitis in four patients and carotid dissection in one.
Implications:
- Syphilis serology should be a routine part of the diagnostic work-up for young patients with ischemic stroke of unknown etiology.
- Early detection and treatment of neurosyphilis can prevent severe neurological complications.
- This case series highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies in young stroke patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...