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Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Cerebral syphilitic gumma presenting with intracranial gumma and pathologic vertebrae fractures
Ryan Thibodeau1, Atin Goel1, Abtin Jafroodifar1
1Department of Radiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210.
Abstract:
A 37-year-old female was admitted with worsening neurologic function. On arrival from an outside hospital, the patient was obtunded and intubated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed nodular enhancement of the leptomeninges, intracranial osteolytic lesions, and diffuse vasogenic edema causing mass effect. Imaging of the thoracic spine revealed pathologic compression fractures of 4 thoracic vertebrae. On review of the patient's electronic medical record, the patient had previously received treatment for secondary syphilis with intramuscular benzathine penicillin G. Surgical biopsies of the frontal bone and dura showed diffuse, chronic inflammation while a biopsy of the adjacent brain parenchyma revealed replicating spirochetes. The patient was subsequently prescribed dexamethasone and benzathine penicillin G. She regained neurologic function but later signed out against medical advice without completing her treatment regimen.
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