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Macau Periodical Index (澳門期刊論文索引)

Author
Duarte, Carlos; Su, Mei Fang; Cheong, Chun Kin
Title
Neurosyphilis: a case report
Journal Name
澳門醫學雜誌
Pub. Info
2007年12月20日, Vol.7, No.4, pp. 259-261
Link
https://www.ssm.gov.mo/docs//2211/2211_3114b95f078741339a3d72374887502d_000.pdf
Keyword
Neurosyphilis;General paresis;Dementia
Abstract
Abstract : We report a case of neurosyphilis in the clinical form of general paresis in a 43-year-old man with a 2-year history of dysartria, ataxia and personality changes. The initial assessment revealled a moderate dementia. Blood serum was positive for Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA). The first cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were inconclusive, but neurosyphilis was considered highly plausible and penicillin was started. Penicillin treatment was followed by a slight clinical improvement and the progression of the disease stopped. After penicillin, a CSF-VDRL confirmed neurosyphilis. Clincians should have a high index of suspicion of neurosyphilis, which may have a non-specific clinical presentation. The routine assessment of patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms should include serologic tests for syphilis. Paragraph Headings: 1. Introduction 2. Case 3. Discussion