[Syphilitic meningo-encephalitis with probable associated arteritis (author's transl)]

A 21-year-old woman was referred for consultation because of sensory and motor disorders of sudden onset but on lung duration. Neurological examination was normal. Lumbar puncture confirmed the presence of a clear liquid meningitis. Arteriography demonstrated segmental arteritis of the anterior cerebral vessels. Systematic serological tests were positive for syphilis. The authors discuss the relation between arteritis and syphilitic meningitis in this young woman taking oral contraceptives.