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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Quantification of Cerebral Vascular Architecture using Two-photon Microscopy in a Mouse Model of HIV-induced Neuroinflammation
10:04

Quantification of Cerebral Vascular Architecture using Two-photon Microscopy in a Mouse Model of HIV-induced Neuroinflammation

Published on: January 12, 2016

[Stroke, HIV and meningovascular syphilis: study of three cases]

S Lachaud1, L Suissa, M-H Mahagne

  • 1Unité neurovasculaire, hôpital Saint-Roch, CHU de Nice, 5, rue Pierre-Dévoluy, 06006 Nice cedex 1, France. lachaud.s@chu-nice.fr

Revue Neurologique
|May 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Meningovascular syphilis, a complication of syphilis, can cause ischemic stroke, particularly in HIV-positive individuals. Early detection of Treponema pallidum infection is crucial for young stroke patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Syphilis presents with diverse clinical manifestations, notably meningovascular syphilis.
  • Meningovascular syphilis is a neurosyphilis subtype affecting blood vessels in the brain.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a significant co-morbidity.

Observation:

  • Three male patients (aged 30, 31, 41) presented with neurological deficits indicative of ischemic stroke.
  • Radiographic imaging revealed internal carotid artery thrombosis in two patients and basilar artery stenosis in one.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood analyses confirmed meningovascular syphilis co-infected with HIV.

Findings:

  • The cases highlight a direct link between meningovascular syphilis and ischemic stroke.
  • Internal carotid thrombosis and basilar stenosis were the identified cerebrovascular pathologies.
  • Co-infection with HIV was a consistent factor in all reported cases.

Implications:

  • The resurgence of syphilis necessitates systematic screening for Treponema pallidum infection in young adults experiencing ischemic stroke.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis are critical to prevent cerebrovascular events.
  • Increased awareness among clinicians is vital for recognizing syphilis as a potential cause of stroke in younger populations.
Abstract

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