Multiple Cerebral Infarctions Associated with Syphilitic Aortitis / 대한뇌졸중학회지

ABSTRACT

Syphilis is a rare cause of aortic inflammatory lesion and stroke. A 65-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of right hemiplegia and hemianopsia. Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging of the brain revealed bihemispheric cerebral infarctions. Echocardiography demonstrated aortic regurgitation, pericardial effusion, and dilatation of the aortic root. MR aortography showed intramural hematoma in dilated ascending and descending aorta. The serum Venereal Disease Research Laboratory and Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination test were positive. The level of protein in cerebrospinal fluid was increased. After treatment with penicillin for three weeks, her neurological status progressively improved. As syphilis can lead to aortitis and aortic dissection, it should be considered as a treatable cause of stroke.