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Updated: Oct 11, 2025

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
[Cerebral venous thrombosis revealing neurosyphilis]
O Chol1, S Gallet2, L Bouillet1
1Service de médecine interne, CHU de Grenoble Alpes, CS10217, 38043 Grenoble cedex 09, France.
Introduction:
Syphilis is a bacterial infection which is increasing in France. Neurosyphilis is a rare manifestation of syphilis, mainly involving the meninges and the blood vessels. It is a rare cause of cerebral vascular stroke. Venous thrombosis of syphilitic origin is rarely described.
Observation:
We reported a case of a fifty-year-old patient hospitalized for bilateral non-painful decreased visual acuity with headache. The CT scan showed cerebral venous thrombosis from the right lateral sinus to the jugular gulf. Patient presented a bilateral papillar oedema on the ocular fundus. Lumbar puncture showed lymphocytic meningitis with blood and CSF serology suggestive of neurosyphilis. The patient received antibiotic therapy with penicillin G for 14days with curative anticoagulation for six months. The evolution was favorable.
Conclusion:
Cerebral venous thrombosis in neurosyphilis is a poorly described entity. This case report confirms the status of great simulator of syphilis. In the context of its worldwide recrudescence, syphilis must be evoked in front of an unexplained neurological disorder.
Insights
Neurosyphilis, a rare syphilis complication, can cause cerebral venous thrombosis. Early diagnosis and penicillin treatment led to a favorable outcome in a recent case, highlighting syphilis as a potential cause of neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Syphilis is a growing bacterial infection concern in France.
- Neurosyphilis, a rare manifestation, affects meninges and blood vessels, rarely causing stroke.
- Syphilitic venous thrombosis is an infrequently documented condition.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old presented with decreased vision and headache.
- Imaging revealed cerebral venous thrombosis; lumbar puncture indicated neurosyphilis.
- The patient experienced bilateral papilledema.
Findings:
- Cerebral venous thrombosis associated with neurosyphilis is poorly described.
- This case highlights syphilis as a 'great simulator' in neurology.
- Treatment involved penicillin G and anticoagulation.
Implications:
- Neurosyphilis should be considered in unexplained neurological disorders.
- The worldwide resurgence of syphilis necessitates increased clinical suspicion.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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