[Epidemiological and clinical aspects of neurosyphilis in Morocco]

Neurosyphilis accounts for 56%-70% of all visceral syphilis and is a complication in 5%-10% of cases of untreated syphilis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological aspects and clinical presentations of neurosyphilis in Morocco through a series of 201 patients attending the Centre for Neurological Services at the university hospital in Rabat between 1986 and 1997. The mean age of the patients was 41.26 [SD 9.23] years [range: 17-70 years]; the majority [91%] were male. The incidence of neurosyphilis in Morocco is high. From 31 cases per year in 1985, it has fallen since 1990 to reach 10 cases in 1997. Among the different clinical presentations recorded, chronic meningoencepahalitis was the commonest, followed by meningovasculitis, tabes dorsalis and optic atrophy

[Cerebrovascular accidents and pregnancy]

Although cerebrovascular accidents [CVA] during pregnancy and post-partum period constitute a major cause of maternal death, yet it is still not well known. It affect pregnant women essentially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and in the post-partum period. We reported here certain clinical, aetiological and therapeutical aspects of CVA in cases of pregnancy and post-partum period. It concerns 8 pregnant or post-partum cases [1.2%] presented with CVA hospitalized in the neurology department [B] between 1998 and 2004. The average age was 33,7 years. Risk factor were represented by oral contraception's [6 cases], multiparity [3 cases] and arterial hypertension [2 cases]. Carotid region affection was found in 75% of cases. The dominent aetiological factor was secondary cerebral thrombophlebitis in one case and one to deficient in protein S in the other. CVA risk does not seem higher than that found in general population. The treatment of CVA during pregnancy and in post-partum period is the same recommended in non pregnant CVA cases