[Headaches, otalgia and peripheral facial palsy as a form of presentation of neurosyphilis].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Decrease in incidence of neurosyphilis over the last few decades implies that clinicians consider less frequently this diagnosis. On the other hand, some reports suggest an increase in atypical forms of this disease that represent an additional reason for missing this diagnosis.

CLINICAL CASE:

We report on a 16 year-old immunocompetent black female from Guinea-Bissau presented with headaches, ear pain, hearing loss and peripheral facial paralysis. A cranial CT scan showed a hypodense area in the left cortico-subcortical zone and a contrast enhancement on the left pontocerebellar angle and internal auditory meatus. On the third day of admission a diagnosis of meningitis was made, with high titles of VDRL and TPHA in CSF and serum, leading to a diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The epidemiological aspects of this case suggest either a late congenital syphilis or an infection as a result of a blood transfusion administered seven years earlier in Guinea-Bissau.

CONCLUSION:

This rare form of presentation of neurosyphilis emphasizes the importance of considering systematically this diagnosis, even in the context of atypical presentations.

• Authors: M J Nunes da Silva, V Oliveira, A E Sousa, M Lucas, R M Victorino
• Journal: Revista de neurologia (Rev Neurol) 2000 Sep 16-30 Vol. 31 Issue 6 Pg. 544-6 ISSN: 0210-0010 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Cefaleas, otalgias, hipoacusia y parálisis facial periférica como forma de presentación de la neurosífilis.
• PMID: 11055060 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Cochlear Nerve (physiopathology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Earache (diagnosis, etiology)
• Facial Nerve (physiopathology)
• Facial Paralysis (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Female
• Functional Laterality (physiology)
• Headache (diagnosis, etiology)
• Humans
• Neurosyphilis (complications, diagnosis, microbiology)
• Treponema pallidum (isolation & purification)