Imaging features of neurosyphilis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is re-emerging, particularly in high-risk populations.
• Neurosyphilis, a neurological complication, can manifest with varied clinical syndromes and may mimic other diseases.
• Vertical transmission of syphilis can lead to neurological issues in newborns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neuroimaging features of neurosyphilis.
• To cover both early and late stages of neurosyphilis.
• To highlight the diagnostic role of neuroimaging in neurosyphilis.

Main Methods:

• Review of neurosyphilis literature focusing on imaging findings.
• Analysis of neuroimaging characteristics across different clinical presentations.
• Correlation of imaging findings with disease stages.

Main Results:

• Neurosyphilis presents diverse imaging findings, including meningitis, gumma, meningovascular changes, parenchymal involvement, and spinal cord abnormalities.
• Imaging can detect asymptomatic cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities.
• Neuroimaging aids in differentiating neurosyphilis from other neurological conditions.

Conclusions:

• Neuroimaging is indispensable for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of neurosyphilis.
• Recognizing imaging patterns is key to timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Early detection through neuroimaging can improve patient outcomes.