Bone involvement in non-congenital syphilis / Compromiso óseo por sífilis no congénita

We documented two stages of bone involvement due to syphilis in two adult patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Bony lesions of secondary versus tertiary syphilis cannot be differentiated on clinical or radiologic grounds alone. Given the rarity of this clinical presentation, there is no consensus on treatment duration and related outcomes.

Se describen dos etapas de compromiso óseo por sífilis en dos pacientes adultos infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Las lesiones óseas de la sífilis secundaria y de la sífilis terciaria no se pueden diferenciar únicamente por características clínicas o radiológicas. Dada la rareza de esta presentación clínica, no hay consenso sobre la duración del tratamiento y los resultados relacionados.

Use of cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 concentration for diagnosis and monitoring of neurosyphilis: a three-case report

Introduction: Previous retrospective studies have demonstrated that the concentration of chemokine ligand CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-CXCL13) is a promising biomarker in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and, additionally, in the monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To describe three cases of patients with neurosyphilis (NS) treated at Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with suspected active syphilis with neurological symptoms. Case report: Three patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were investigated for symptomatic NS. The concentration of CSF-CXCL13 was prospectively performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all participants at baseline and in follow-up visits at 3 months after therapy. CSF-CXCL13 concentrations were significantly higher in all three patients with established NS. The CSF-CXCL13 concentrations decreased after 3 months of therapy compared to baseline in all cases reported. The added high concentration of CSF-CXCL13 plus CSF-TPHA reactivity above 1:40 titer agreed with the diagnosis of NS in 100% of the cases. Conclusion: In this case series, we present three cases of NS diagnosed using CXCL13 in CSF as a complementary test. These case series suggest that the clinical use of CSF-CXCL13 is useful as a supplementary biomarker for NS and for monitoring the effectiveness of NS therapy, especially in patients with nonreactive CSF-VDRL, excluding other neurologic diseases

Coevality of Secondary Syphilis with Condyloma Acuminata in a HIV reactive MSM: Rare Triple Sexually Transmitted Infections

Summary@#Secondary syphilis is a rare infectious sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum in present era. It affects skin as well as other organs of the body. We hereby present a case of an adult male who presented with a one-month history of multiple brownish red maculopapular lesions all over the skin of the body involving the palms, soles, oral cavity and genitalia. His serology was positive for HIV, VDRL and TPHA with a low CD4 count. The patient was treated with three weekly doses of parenteral Benzathine penicillin G, antiretroviral therapy and podophyllin for condyloma acuminata to which he responded well.

Neurosyphilis with Ocular Involvement in a patient with newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: A case report

Introduction@#Syphilis is a chronic systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum sub-species pallidum. Syphilis, by itself, already has a varied clinical presentation depending on the stage, earning its moniker as “the great imitator”. In a patient without HIV infection, untreated syphilis presents as a chronic infection with primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages. With the emergence of the AIDS pandemic, HIV co infection may significantly alter the clinical presentation of syphilis. This is a case of a patient with neurosyphilis with overlapping primary and secondary syphilis.@*Case Presentation@#This is a case of a 34-year-old Filipino male who came in due to blurring of vision. The patient’s illness started six months prior to admission, when he noted the appearance of a painless, non-pruritic, solitary ulcer with erosions on his penis. A month after, he started to have progressive blurring of vision. In the interim, erythematous, scaly plaques appeared on the dorsal aspect of both hands and feet, and on the tip of the nose, with associated thinning of hair on the scalp and eyebrows. The skin and penile lesions eventually increased in size and number. The examination of the pupils showed a 6 mm right pupil, non-reactive to light, and a 2 mm left pupil which was minimally reactive to light and constricts upon accommodation. The diagnosis of syphilis was confirmed by a reactive serum Rapid Plasma Reagin at 1:64 dilution, and a reactive serum Treponemal Enzyme Immunoassay. HIV screening was also reactive, with a CD4+ cell count of 15 cells/μL. Ophthalmologic findings were consistent with panuveitis. Skin punch biopsy revealed lichenoid and interstitial dermatitis with which syphilis was highly considered. Cranial CT imaging showed mild cerebral atrophy. Lumbar tap revealed a colorless, clear cerebrospinal fluid, with lymphocytic pleocytosis, normal protein, decreased glucose, and a reactive CSF RPR. The patient was given intravenous penicillin G 3 million units every 4 hours for 14 days, together with ophthalmic medications (prednisolone, levofloxacin, and atropine ophthalmic drops). He was also started on antiretroviral therapy. Prior to discharge, the patient was noted to have improved vision, skin lesions were significantly improved, and he was advised for close monitoring as outpatient.@*Conclusion@#Through this case, it was elaborated that with HIV co-infection, syphilis may present atypically—with multiple, persistent, primary lesions; with overlapping of the stages, and increased frequency of neurosyphilis presenting early into the infection.

Coinfecção entre HIV e Sífilis: principais complicações clínicas e interferências no diagnóstico laboratorial / HIV and Syphilis coinfection: major clinical complications and laboratory diagnosis coinfection

Introdução: Devido às mudanças do comportamento sexual, os casos de coinfecção entre HIV e sífilis vêm se tornando um desafio para saúde pública mundial. As compli- cações dessa coinfecção, como manifestações cutâneas e neurológicas, são causadas principalmente pelo diagnóstico tardio. Objetivo: Apontar as principais complicações no quadro clínico de coinfectados com HIV e sífilis e descrever os possíveis interferentes no diagnóstico. Métodos: O presente artigo trata-se de uma revisão literária integrativa que tem como base artigos publicados em Inglês e Português no período de 2009 a 2019, que relatam sobre coinfecção de HIV e sífilis. Discussão: Pacientes coinfectados com HIV e sífilis podem apresentar quadro clínico atípico, isso ocorre em decorrência das alterações no curso natural da sífilis. Durante o diagnóstico da sífilis, em indivíduos coinfectados com HIV, reações atípicas, como o efeito prozona, podem gerar quadros de falso-positivo e falso-negativo nos testes não treponêmicos. Essas variações podem retardar o diagnós- tico, causando complicações, como a neurosífilis. Conclusão: Por fim, os interferentes, como resultados falso-negativo e falso-positivo, no diagnóstico da sífilis, podem alterar o resultado dos exames laboratoriais. Além disso, a falta de um protocolo para diagnóstico contribui para os desafios na investigação da coinfecção.

Introduction: Changes in sexual behavior increase cases of co-infection between HIV and syphilis, and it is becoming a challenge for public health worldwide. Complications of this co-infection, such as cutaneous and neurological manifestations, are mainly caused by late diagnosis. Objective: to describe the main complications in the clinical picture of co-infected with HIV and syphilis and the possible interferences in the diagnosis. Methods: This article is an integrative literary review based on articles published in English and Portuguese from 2009 to 2019, which report on HIV and syphilis co-infection. Discussion: Patients co-infected with HIV and syphilis, may present atypical symptoms, this occurs due to changes in the natural course of syphilis. During the diagnosis of syphilis, in HIV-infected individuals, atypical reactions, such as the prozone effect, can generate false-positive and false-negative conditions in non-treponemal tests. These variations can delay the diagnosis, causing complications, such as neurosyphilis. Conclusion: However, the interfering, as false-negative and false-positive results, with the diagnosis of syphilis, can alter the results of laboratory test.

Trastorno neurocognitivo debido a neurosífilis: informe de un caso / Neurocognitive disorder due to neurosyphilis: a case report

RESUMEN Introducción: La neurosífilis es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica ocasionada por Treponema pallidum y puede producir una gran variedad de signos y síntomas neuropsiquiátricos, lo que complica su diagnóstico. Descripción del caso: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 40 años que consultó al servicio de urgencias por una convulsión de novo, junto con un cuadro crónico de deterioro cognitivo y psicosis. Se le realizaron los estudios pertinentes para el diagnóstico de neurosífilis y se inició el tratamiento recomendado. El paciente presentó mejoría clínica y fue dado de alta. Discusión: Con resultados de serología VDRL positivos y hallazgos imagenológicos de atrofia cortical marcada, se consideró una neurosífilis parenquimatosa de tipo tardío, junto con franco deterioro cognoscitivo y psicosis. Se le dejó tratamiento con penicilina cristalina, que disminuyó la intensidad de los síntomas del paciente; sin embargo, el poco interés de este en asistir a sus controles disminuye sus probabilidades de una recuperación adecuada. Conclusiones: La neurosífilis se debe sospechar en pacientes con síntomas neurológicos o psiquiátricos clínicamente evidentes. El análisis de la serología de VDRL y los estudios de neuroimagen son importantes como evaluación inicial del paciente, que debe complementarse con pruebas cognitivas o examen mental para determinar el estado de deterioro cognitivo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neurosyphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can cause a great variety of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, which complicates its diagnosis. Case description: This case occurred in a 40-year-old man who consulted the Emergency Department because of a convulsion (de novo) which was related to a chronic condition of cognitive impairment and psychosis. The appropriate studies were performed for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis and the recommended treatment was initiated. The patient presented clinical improvement and was discharged. Discussion: Positive VDRL serology results and imaging findings of marked cortical atrophy conducted to consider a late-stage parenchymatous neurosyphilis with serious cognitive impairment and associated psychosis. Treatment with crystalline penicillin was formulated, which reduced the intensity of the patient's symptoms; however, the patient's lack of interest to attend the check-ups significantly reduces his chances of an adequate recovery. Conclusions: Neurosyphilis must be suspected in patients with clinically evident neurological or psychiatric symptoms. Analysis of VDRL serology and neuroimaging studies are important as an initial evaluation of the patient and must be complemented with cognitive tests or mental examination to determine the state of cognitive impairment.

Demencia rápidamente progresiva por neurosífilis (parálisis general). Un caso tratable de demencia / Rapidly progressive dementia due to neurosyphilis (general paralysis). A treatable case of dementia

Resumen Las demencias rápidamente progresivas son cuadros de deterioro en más de un dominio cognitivo con compromiso funcional que progresan en menos de 1 a 2 años; y la neurosífilis es una de las etiologías. La sífilis es una infección bacteriana crónica que causa una serie de cuadros clínicos muy variables durante los primeros 2 a 3 años, seguido de una etapa latente prolongada que puede evolucionar a una etapa de infección terciaria. Luego de un período de años, o incluso décadas, un tercio de las personas con sífilis latente no tratada tendrá manifestaciones clínicas de sífilis terciaria como neurosífilis. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 41 años de edad que consultó por cuadro de postración, precedido por alteraciones cognitivas conductuales progresivas de 18 meses de evolución. Se constató cuadro demencial asociado a parkinsonismo farmacológico secundario a risperidona, por lo que se suspendió dicho tratamiento. Las neuroimágenes mostraron una atrofia cerebral grave; VDRL reactiva en suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR); además de un leve aumento de proteínas en LCR. Se realizó el diagnóstico de neurosífilis tardía iniciando tratamiento con penicilina G cristalina 1 400 000 UI cada 4 h por 14 días con excelente respuesta. Nuestro caso nos permite reflexionar sobre la importancia de solicitar estudios diagnósticos de sífilis en pacientes jóvenes que presentan cuadro de demencia rápidamente progresiva, ya que esta enfermedad tiene un tratamiento que puede revertir parcial o totalmente los síntomas.

Abstract Rapidly progressive dementias are conditions of impairment in more than one cognitive domain with functional compromise that progress in less than 1 to 2 years; and neurosyphilis is one of the etiologies. Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that causes a series of highly variable clinical conditions during the first 2 to 3 years, followed by a prolonged latent stage that can progress to a tertiary infection stage. After a period of years, or even decades, a third of people with untreated latent syphilis will have clinical manifestations of tertiary syphilis such as neurosyphilis. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who consulted for prostration symptoms, preceded by progressive behavioral cognitive alterations of 18 months of evolution. A dementia picture was found associated with pharmacological parkinsonism secondary to risperidone, so this treatment was suspended. Neuroimaging showed severe cerebral atrophy; serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reactive VDRL, in addition to a slight increase in CSF proteins. The diagnosis of late neurosyphilis was made and treated with crystalline penicillin G 1 400 000 IU every 4 h for 14 days with an excellent response. Our case allows us to reflect on the importance of requesting diagnostic studies of syphilis in young patients who present a rapidly evolving dementia, since this disease has a treatment that can partially or totally reverse the symptoms.

Sífilis congénita resultado de una Neurosífilis materna no diagnosticada. Reporte de caso / Congenital syphilis due to undiagnosed maternal neurosyphilis: case report

Resumen En el mundo, se ha evidenciado un aumento de los casos de sífilis, de sífilis gestacional y de sífilis congénita. Se presenta el caso de un recién nacido con sífilis congénita, hijo de una madre con sífilis latente de duración indeterminada (VDRL 1:4 diluciones) diagnosticada y tratada a la semana 12 de gestación, VIH negativa, con compañero seronegativo para sífilis; a pesar del tratamiento con tres dosis de 2'400 000 U de penicilina benzatínica, no modificó los títulos del VDRL ni en el control de la semana 25 de gestación, ni en el momento del parto. En el posparto, la madre fue diagnosticada con neurosífilis y recibió tratamiento con penicilina cristalina durante 14 días. El recién nacido fue diagnosticado con sífilis congénita por presentar VDRL 1:4 diluciones, aumento de aminotransferasas, hematuria y proteinuria, recibiendo tratamiento con penicilina cristalina durante 10 días. La paciente evolucionó favorablemente y el control a los 6 meses fue normal. Deben fomentarse medidas útiles en la prevención de la sífilis gestacional: métodos de barrera, conocimiento de la enfermedad y asistencia a control prenatal. Es fundamental identificar y tratar a las gestantes con sífilis mediante tamizaje serológico para prevenir la sífilis congénita; el seguimiento serológico debe ser estricto para verificar la eficacia del tratamiento e investigar las gestantes que no modifican los títulos después del tratamiento. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):73-80.

Abstract In the world, there has been an increase in cases of syphilis, gestational syphilis and congenital syphilis. It's presented the case of a newborn with congenital syphilis, son of a mother with latent syphilis of indeterminate duration (VDRL 1: 4 dilutions) diagnosed and treated at week 12 of gestation, HIV negative, with seronegative partner for syphilis; despite treatment with three doses of 2'400 000 U of benzathine penicillin, the VDRL titres remained unaltered on both the control of the 25th week of gestation and at the time of delivery. The mother, in the postpartum period, was diagnosed with neurosyphilis and was treated with crystalline penicillin for 14 days. The newborn was diagnosed with congenital syphilis by presenting 1:4 VDRL dilutions, increased aminotransferases, hematuria and proteinuria; he was treated with crystalline penicillin for 10 days. Useful measures should be promoted in the prevention of gestational syphilis such as barrier methods, knowledge of the disease and assistance to prenatal control. It is mandatory to identify and treat pregnant women with syphilis by serological screening for the disease in order to prevent congenital syphilis. Serological follow-up should be strict to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and to investigate pregnant women who do not modify the titres after treatment. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):73-80.

Arterite sifilítica / Retinal arteritis related to syphilis

Resumo Apresentamos um caso de neurosífilis em um homem jovem, com queixa de baixa acuidade visual (BAV) em olho esquerdo. Cursou com lesões eritemato-descamativas nas palmas das mãos, plantas dos pés e úlceras orais, sem lesões genitais. O exame oftalmológico revelou arterite em arcada nasal superior no olho afetado. Apresentou VDRL (1:4096) e FTA-Abs positivos. O exame do líquor cefalorraquidiano foi negativo. O tratamento foi realizado com ceftriaxona 2g/ dia por 14 dias, associado à prednisona 0,5mg/kg oral 48h após início do antibiótico. Após 15 dias de tratamento, houve melhora da AV, regressão da vasculite e redução da titulação do VDRL para 1:128.

Abstract We present a case of neurosyphilis in a young man with a complaint of low visual acuity in the left eye. He had erythematous-scaly lesions on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and oral ulcers, without genital lesions. The ophthalmic examination revealed arteritis in the upper nasal arcade in the affected eye. He presented VDRL (1: 4096) and FTA-Abs positive. The cerebrospinal fluid cerebrospinal fluid test was negative. The treatment was performed with ceftriaxone 2g / day for 14 days, associated with prednisone 0.5mg / kg oral 48h after antibiotic onset. After 15 days of treatment, there was improvement of AV, regression of vasculitis and reduction of VDRL titration to 1: 128.

Neurosífilis meningovascular como causa de accidente cerebrovascular en paciente joven: reporte de caso / Meningovascular neurosyphilis as a cause of stroke in a young patient: case report

Resumen El accidente cerebrovascular en adultos jóvenes es un evento raro presente en menos del 5% de los casos a nivel mundial, representando un reto diagnóstico debido a las múltiples etiologías posibles, entre ellas las infecciones. Del 15% al 40% de los pacientes con sífilis no tratada pueden desarrollar sífilis terciaria con manifestaciones principalmente neurodestructivas, descritas en la sífilis tardía pero con meningitis crónica y accidente cerebrovascular de tipo meningovascular en su fase temprana. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 40 años con antecedente de cambios de comportamiento, alucinaciones auditivas e insomnio, quien consulta a urgencias por presentar hemiplejia derecha, afasia motora, lesiones palmo-plantares y roseta en glande asociada a adenopatías inguinales. Dados los hallazgos imagenológicos y de líquido cefalorraquídeo se estableció diagnóstico de accidente cerebrovascular isquémico de circulación cerebral anterior izquierda secundario a neurosífilis meningovascular, con confirmación de inmunosupresión por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. MÉD.UIS.2019;32(2):53-8

Abstract Stroke in young adults is a rare event present in less than 5% of cases worldwide, representing a diagnostic challenge due to the multiple possible etiologies, including infections. 15% to 40% of patients with untreated syphilis may develop tertiary syphilis; with mainly neurodestructive manifestations, described in late syphilis, but in its early stage with chronic meningitis and meningovascular stroke. The case of a 40-year-old male patient with a history of behavior changes, auditory hallucinations and insomnia is presented, who consults the emergency department for presenting right hemiplegia, motor aphasia, palmoplantar lesions and rosette in glans associated with inguinal adenopathies. Given the imaging and cerebrospinal fluid findings, a diagnosis of ischemic stroke of the left anterior cerebral circulation was established, secondary to meningovascular neurosyphilis, with confirmation of immunosuppression due to human immunodeficiency virus. MÉD.UIS.2019;32(2):53-8

From the "small doll" until "prostitute's pupil" through Argyll Robertson: the Argyll Robertson's sign, one hundred fifty years from his findings (1869) / Da "pequena boneca" até "pupila da prostituta" através de Argyll Robertson: o sinal de Argyll Robertson, cento e cinquenta anos de seus achados (1869)

A tiny structure, the pupil, attracts too much attention, since the antiquity. The pupil as part of the "'window of/to the soul", the eyes, it can demonstrate a clinical disorder sign, or simply a psychological expression. In this paper, it is studied the situation in which the pupillary reflex to light is compromised, but the accommodation reflex is preserved, what is named after Argyll Robertson, the frst Scottish ophthalmologist, who besides described the signal (1869), he also tried to defned its clinical signifcance. Afterwards, it was clearly demonstrated its relationship with tertiary neurosyphilis.

Uma estrutura minúscula, a pupila, atrai muita atenção, desde a antiguidade. A pupila como parte da "'janela da alma'", os olhos, poderia demonstrar um sinal de desordem clínica, ou, simplesmente, uma expressão psicológica. Neste trabalho, estuda-se a situação em que o reflexo pupilar à luz é comprometido, mas o reflexo de acomodação é preservado, o que leva o nome de Argyll Robertson, o primeiro oftalmologista escocês que além de descrever o sinal (1869), também tentou defniu seu signifcado clínico. Posteriormente, foi claramente demonstrada sua relação com a neurossíflis terciária.

A comparison of nontreponemal tests in cerebrospinal fluid for neurosyphilis diagnosis: equivalent detection of specific antibodies / Uma comparação de testes não treponêmicos no líquido cefalorraquidiano para diagnóstico de neurossífilis: detecção equivalente de anticorpos específicos

ABSTRACT Syphilis is a re-emerging sexually-transmitted infection, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, that may penetrate early into the central nervous system. The venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the most widely used for neurosyphilis diagnosis. We evaluated the performance of two other nontreponemal tests (rapid plasma reagin [RPR] and unheated serum reagin [USR] tests) in comparison with the VDRL in CSF. Methods: We analyzed CSF samples from 120 individuals based on VDRL reactivity in the CSF and the clinical picture of neurosyphilis. Results: High inter-rater reliability was found among all three tests, with equivalent sensitivity and specificity. Intraclass correlation coefficient for absolute agreement was 1 for VDRL versus USR, 0.99 for VDRL versus RPR, and 0.99 for RPR versus USR. Conclusions: Rapid plasma reagin and unheated serum reagin tests were identified as excellent alternatives for neurosyphilis diagnosis.

RESUMO A sífilis é uma infecção reemergente sexualmente transmissível pelo espiroqueta Treponema pallidum, que pode penetrar precocemente no sistema nervoso central. O teste venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) é o mais amplamente utilizado para diagnóstico de neurossífilis. Avalia-se o desempenho de dois outros testes não treponêmicos (rapid plasma reagin - RPR and unheated serum reagin - USR tests) em comparação ao VDRL no LCR. Métodos: Foram analisadas amostras de LCR de 120 indivíduos com base no quadro clínico compatível com neurossifilis e reatividade no VDRL no LCR. Resultados: Os testes apresentaram elevada concordância. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para concordância absoluta foi de 1 para VDRL versus USR, 0,99 para VDRL versus RPR e 0,99 para RPR versus USR. Conclusões: Os testes rapid plasma reagin e unheated serum reagin foram identificados como excelentes alternativas para o diagnóstico de neurossífilis.

Neurosífilis e infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. Una puesta al día / Neurosyphilis and infection by the virus human immunodeficiency. Update

Medical literature shows that the co-infection of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing dramatically worldwide. HIV infection and syphilis have a synergistic relationship. Syphilis increases the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition, while HIV affects the presentation, diagnosis, progression and response to syphilis treatment. The diagnosis of syphilis is made with a non-treponemal reactive test (VDRL or RPR) confirmed with a treponemal test (FTA-ABS or MHA-TP). The opportune diagnosis of neurosyphilis is essential, particularly in the asymptomatic stages, given the high risk of serious sequels and lethality. All patients co-infected with HIV and syphilis with neurological symptoms must be studied with PL and other complementary tests. There is controversy about when to perform a lumbar puncture in co-infected patients who do not have neurological symptoms. However, there is consensus that a CD4 count lower than 350/µl or RPR title greater than 1/32 has indication for the study of cerebrospinal fluid. Therapy with penicillin G in high doses is the treatment of choice, in addition to clinical and serological follow-up that must be done to these patients. (AU)

Neurosyphilis Mimicking Limbic Encephalitis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

No abstract available.

A Case of Rapid Progressive Neurosyphilis in Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis Who Is Treating Anti-interleukin 17A Monoclonal Antibody, Secukinumab

Anti-interleukin 17A agent, secukinumab is remarkably effective for treating patients with ankylosing spondylitis. However, the main safety concern of secukinumab is an increased risk of infection. Generally, neurosyphilis occurs a few years after the primary syphilitic infection. Rare cases of progressing to neurosyphilis with a much lower latency were reported. We report a case of rapid progressive neurosyphilis involving hearing loss in both ears in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis who was treated with secukinumab.

A Rare Case of Syphilitic Myelitis of the Spinal Cord

Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord that is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilitic myelitis, which involves the spinal cord, is a very rare form of neurosyphilis seen in patients with syphilis. It requires differentiation from other diseases of the spinal cord, including idiopathic transverse myelitis and spinal cord infarction. Herein, we describe the presentation and diagnosis of syphilitic myelitis in a 43-year-old woman, based on a flip-flop sign and candle guttering appearance depicted in magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory tests.

Neurosyphilis and classical music: the great composers and "The Great Imitator" / Neurossífilis e música clássica: os grandes compositores e "A Grande Imitadora"

ABSTRACT Throughout history, neurosyphilis has victimized many people, including classical composers, with a wide range of clinical presentations. Methods: Six articles with descriptions of composers with possible neurosyphilis were reviewed. Results: Neurosyphilis is a possible diagnosis for composers like Beethoven, whose progressive hearing loss influenced his career, culminating in complete deafness. In his autopsy, cochlear nerve atrophy and cochlear inflammation were described. Donizetti developed behavioral changes, as well as headaches, general paresis and seizures. Both Schumann and Wolf suffered from personality changes, persecutory delusions and general paresis. Joplin and Delius also had symptoms attributed to syphilis. Autopsy findings confirmed the diagnosis of Smetana, who developed dementia, deafness and auditory hallucinations with rapid progression. His tinnitus was musically represented in his first String Quartet. Conclusion: Neurosyphilis victimized several notorious composers. It can be argued that neurosyphilis was a major source of inspiration as well, being responsible for the genesis of musical masterpieces.

RESUMO Através da história, a neurossífilis vitimou milhares de pessoas, incluindo compositores clássicos, com uma grande gama de manifestações. Métodos: Seis artigos com descrições de compositores com possível neurossífilis foram revisados. Resultados: Neurossífilis é um diagnóstico possível para compositores como Beethoven, cuja perda auditiva progressiva influenciou sua carreira, culminando com surdez completa. Em sua autópsia foram descritas inflamação e atrofia dos nervos cocleares. Donizetti desenvolveu alterações comportamentais, bem como cefaleias, paresia e convulsões. Tanto Schumann quanto Wolf sofreram com alterações comportamentais, delírios persecutórios e paresia. Joplin e Delius também tiveram sintomas relacionados a sífilis. Achados de autópsia confirmaram o diagnóstico de Smetana, que desenvolveu demência, surdez e alucinações auditivas rapidamente progressivas. Seu tinito foi musicalmente representados em seu Quarteto de Cordas No. 1. Conclusão: Neurossífilis vitimou diversos compositores de destaque. Pode-se argumentar que a doença chegou a ser grande fonte de inspiração e mesmo responsável pela gênese de diversas obras-primas.

Neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis clinical and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics: a case series / Características clínicas e liqúoricas de pacientes com neurossífilis e sífilis ocular: uma série de casos

ABSTRACT Background During the first decade of this century, a significant increase in the incidence of syphilis was documented. Objective To study clinical and laboratory characteristics of central nervous system and ocular syphilis. Methods A retrospective case series of 13 patients with a clinical and laboratory diagnosis of neurosyphilis and/or ocular syphilis who had been admitted to the Neurology and Neuro-ophthalmology Service of the Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná. Results Nine patients had a diagnosis of neurosyphilis and two of them also had ocular syphilis. Four patients had a diagnosis of ocular syphilis alone. Among the patients with a diagnosis of neurosyphilis, six had symptomatic syphilitic meningitis, of whom one manifested as cranial nerve palsy alone, one as cranial nerve palsy plus ocular syphilis, two as transverse myelitis (syphilitic meningomyelitis), one as meningitis worsening the patient's myasthenia gravis symptoms and one as meningitis plus ocular syphilis. Additionally, we diagnosed three patients with meningovascular neurosyphilis. In the univariate analysis, patients without ocular syphilis showed greater levels of total protein and white blood cells in the cerebrospinal fluid than patients with ocular syphilis. Conclusion This Brazilian case series of patients with neurosyphilis and ocular syphilis highlights the wide variability of this disease. A high degree of diagnostic suspicion is necessary when facing neurological and ocular symptoms for rapid diagnosis and appropriate management of patients.

RESUMO Introdução Na primeira década deste século observou-se um aumento significativo da incidência de sífilis no mundo. Objetivo Estudar características clínicas e laboratoriais da sífilis no Sistema Nervoso Central e da sífilis ocular. Métodos Estudou-se, retrospectivamente, uma série de treze casos com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial de neurossífilis e/ou sífilis ocular, admitidos aos Serviços de Neurologia ou Neuroftalmologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná. Resultados Nove pacientes tiveram diagnóstico de neurosífilis e dois destes apresentaram concomitantemente sífilis ocular. Quatro pacientes tiveram somente o diagnóstico de sífilis ocular. Dos pacientes com diagnóstico de neurosífilis, seis apresentaram meningite sifilítica sintomática, dentre os quais um se apresentou com paralisia isolada de par craniano, um com paralisia de par craniano associada sífilis ocular, dois com mielite transversa (manifestação de meningomielite), um com meningite que agravou sintomas de Miastenia Gravis e um com meningite isolada associada a sífilis ocular. Houve 3 casos de neurosífilis meningovascular. Na análise univariada, pacientes sem manifestações oculares de sífilis apresentaram maiores níveis proteína total e leucócitos do que os pacientes com sífilis ocular. Conclusão Essa série brasileira de casos de pacientes com neurosífilis e sífilis ocular destaca a alta variabilidade clínica desta doença. Alto grau de suspeição diagnóstica é necessário quando em frente a sintomas neurológicos e oculares para rápido diagnóstico e adequado manejo dos pacientes.