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Kaur J, Melgar TA, Abdulhak M, Sand E. Syphilis presenting as optic neuritis and subdural haematoma with complicating neuro Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e260588. [PMID: 39256176 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A man in his 50s presented with a 3-week history of painless blurry vision. The ocular examination showed decreased visual acuity and 3+ bilateral papilloedema. A CT of the brain without contrast revealed a 5 mm left subdural haematoma. Anti-treponemal IgG antibodies were positive, and a reflex rapid plasma regain (RPR) was >1:64. HIV serology was negative. Ophthalmology and infectious diseases agreed that the presentation was consistent with ocular syphilis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed an elevated CSF protein of 52 mg/dL and CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) of 1:1. Penicillin was started. The patient developed a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction soon after. He had a fever, rash and worsening headaches due to the enlargement of subdural haematoma for which he underwent a burr hole drainage. Vision improved after completing penicillin therapy but did not recover fully. The CSF VDRL became non-reactive and serum RPR titre decreased to 1:8 3 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur
- Internal Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Thomas A Melgar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Munzer Abdulhak
- Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
- Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Emma Sand
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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Peng RR, Wu J, Zhao W, Zhu L, Guan Z, Gu X, Shi M, Yu J, Cheng Y, Zhou P. An observational prospective study based on a large cohort of HIV-negative neurosyphilis patients with particular reference to the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:1073-1080. [PMID: 38557924 PMCID: PMC11178573 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04810-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to outline a complete picture of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) in the central nervous system among HIV-negative neurosyphilis patients. METHODS A prospective study cohort of 772 cases with almost all stages of neurosyphilis depicted the features of JHR including occurrence rate, risk profiles, clinical manifestations, medical management and prognosis. RESULTS The total occurrence rate of JHR was 9.3% (95% CI, 7.3-11.4%), including 4.1% (95% CI, 2.7-5.6%) with severe JHR. The reaction started 5 h after treatment initiation, peaked after 8 h, and subsided after 18 h. Patients with severe JHR experienced a longer recovery time (26 h). Patients with general paresis (OR = 6.825), ocular syphilis (OR = 3.974), pleocytosis (OR = 2.426), or a high CSF-VDRL titre (per log2 titre increase, OR = 2.235) were more likely to experience JHR. Patients with general paresis had an 11.759-fold increased risk of severe JHR. Worsening symptoms included cognitive impairment, mania, nonsense speech, and dysphoria, while symptoms of hallucination, urination disorder, seizures, myoclonus, or aphasia appeared as new-onset symptoms. Neurosyphilis treatment did not need to be interrupted in most patients with JHR and could be reinstated in patients with seizures under supportive medication when JHR subsided. CONCLUSION Severe JHR displayed a 4.1% occurrence rate and clinicians should pay particular attention to patients at a higher risk of JHR. The neurosyphilis treatment regime can be restarted under intensive observation for patients with severe JHR and, if necessary, supportive medication should be initiated and continued until the end of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Rui Peng
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Zhifang Guan
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Xin Gu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Mei Shi
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Junjun Yu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Yanchun Cheng
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Pingyu Zhou
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Institute, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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Status Epilepticus and Neurosyphilis: A Case Report and a Narrative Review. NEUROSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci2040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosyphilis is a rare but life-threatening complication of syphilis that can develop even decades after the primary infection and can be unrecognized. Seizures and status epilepticus (SE) may represent the first manifestation in a previously undiagnosed syphilitic patient. We present an exemplification case of a new onset refractory status epilepticus caused by neurosyphilis and we reviewed the existing literature. We selected all studies reporting cases of SE in the context both of patients with a known diagnosis of syphilis and as the first manifestation of neurosyphilis. We identified 50 patients, mostly composed of immunocompetent, middle-aged males. Thirty-nine patients (83%) presented a new onset SE. A history of subtle and rapidly progressive mood and/or cognitive impairment suggesting a limbic encephalitis-like presentation was frequently observed. Focal frontal or temporal SE was reported in 26. Brain MRI frequently showed T2/FLAIR hyperintensities widely involving the medial temporal structures and the frontal lobes. This review should increase the clinician’s awareness of neurosyphilis as a possible etiology of a new onset SE of unknown etiology, especially in the context of a “limbic encephalitis”-like clinical presentation. Prompt recognition and treatment for neurosyphilis partially or completely reverse neurologic sequelae, changing the natural history of the disease.
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Zhang C, Yue W, Hou S, Cui W, Xiang L. Epilepsy and syphilis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2021; 87:483-490. [PMID: 34219436 DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_681_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epileptic seizures were noted as one of the most overlooked manifestations in syphilis; therefore a few clinicians are concerned about the relationship between epilepsy and syphilis. Our study sought to clarify the prevalence and clinical features of epileptic seizures in patients with syphilis. METHODS We retrieved relevant articles from different databases, using the keywords "syphilis and epilepsy" and then performed statistical analysis to characterize the relationship between these diseases. RESULTS Forty one articles were included in this study: eight described the prevalence of syphilis and epilepsy and the remaining 33 were case reports on syphilis with epileptic seizures. The meta-analysis included 1252 patients with syphilis. The pooled estimate of proportion of prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.1384 (0.0955-0.2005), and the proportion and heterogeneity showed different degrees of change among three subgroups. The systematic review included 46 cases of syphilis with epileptic seizures. Thirty two (80%) patients had motor seizures, among whom 20 (62.5%) had tonic-clonic seizures. In addition, 30 (75%) patients had impaired awareness and 18 (45%) had status seizures. Twenty five (62.5%) patients were 35-55 years of age, and 77.5% of the included patients were men. Thirty seven (97.4%) patients were seizure-free after anti-syphilis treatment. LIMITATIONS Research in this field has been conducted for a relatively short period and publication bias may exist. Furthermore, some patients with syphilis and epileptic seizures may not have received a clear diagnosis. CONCLUSION The proportion of prevalence was 0.1384. Most of the included patients were 35-55 years of age and had impaired awareness and motor seizures. Many patients with syphilis and epileptic seizure showed full recovery or the development of minor neurological sequelae, and nearly all patients were seizure-free after timely anti-syphilis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, China
| | - Shuping Hou
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanzhen Cui
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, China
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Volle DC, Marder KG, McKeon A, Brooks JO, Kruse JL. Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus in the Presence of Catatonia: A Clinically Focused Review. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 68:25-34. [PMID: 33276270 PMCID: PMC8262079 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Catatonia is classically associated with psychiatric conditions but may occur in medical and neurologic disorders. Status epilepticus (SE) is a seizure lasting more than five minutes or two or more seizures within a five-minute period without interictal recovery of consciousness. Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is SE without prominent motor activity that may present with catatonic symptoms. The relevance of NCSE as a potential etiology for catatonia is not clear in the literature. METHODS A systematic review was completed to evaluate the literature on NCSE presenting with catatonia. PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched and articles were reviewed for the presence of catatonia and NCSE. RESULTS 15 articles describing 27 cases meeting inclusion criteria were identified. The authors add 1 case to the literature. The most common catatonic symptoms identified in NCSE were mutism and stupor. Clinical features frequent in NCSE presenting with catatonia included new catatonic symptoms, age over 50 years, comorbid neurological conditions, or a change in medications that affect seizure threshold. A documented psychiatric history was also common and may contribute to delayed diagnosis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION It is important to consider NCSE in the differential diagnosis of new catatonic symptoms. A suggested approach to diagnostic evaluation is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dax C. Volle
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Corresponding author at: 760 Westwood Plaza, Room 37-384, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA. (D.C. Volle)
| | - Katharine G. Marder
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew McKeon
- Departments of Neurology, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - John O. Brooks
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Kruse
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus Secondary to Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction in Neurosyphilis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Neurologist 2018; 24:29-32. [PMID: 30586032 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is defined as a transient immunologic reaction, classically seen in patients during syphilis treatment. JHR is a rare cause of status epilepticus (SE) in neurosyphilis. We describe a case of generalized convulsive SE (GCSE) probably secondary to JHR in a patient with neurosyphilis. CASE REPORT A 23-year-old man presented with progressive behavioral changes with 4 months of onset and pupillary alteration with 9 months of onset. He had experienced blurred vision and had noticed mydriasis in the left eye. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal; however, sexually transmitted infections were not investigated. After 1 month, the blurred vision disappeared, but mydriasis remained. Three months passed, and he reported progressive behavioral changes. Laboratory tests were within the normal limits, except by positive blood venereal disease research laboratory. Later, the cerebrospinal fluid analysis was requested, which revealed a positive venereal disease research laboratory. Electroencephalogram and brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. Treatment was started with crystalline penicillin G. A GCSE began 12 hours after the first dose of penicillin. He did not develop classic signs and symptoms of the JHR. An EEG showed periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges. CONCLUSIONS To the author's knowledge, there are 3 cases in the literature of nonconvulsive SE with JHR in neurosyphilis, and the present report was the first to describe the occurrence of GCSE secondary to JHR in neurosyphilis. Another important finding, in this case, was the isolated unilateral mydriatic tonic pupil, rarely reported as an early isolated symptom of neurosyphilis. In this way, it is essential that patients presenting with isolated unilateral tonic pupil receive an adequate investigation for syphilis.
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Butler T. The Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction After Antibiotic Treatment of Spirochetal Infections: A Review of Recent Cases and Our Understanding of Pathogenesis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 96:46-52. [PMID: 28077740 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Within 24 hours after antibiotic treatment of the spirochetal infections syphilis, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and relapsing fever (RF), patients experience shaking chills, a rise in temperature, and intensification of skin rashes known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) with symptoms resolving a few hours later. Case reports indicate that the JHR can also include uterine contractions in pregnancy, worsening liver and renal function, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial injury, hypotension, meningitis, alterations in consciousness, seizures, and strokes. Experimental evidence indicates it is caused by nonendotoxin pyrogen and spirochetal lipoproteins. Mediation of the JHR in RF by the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 has been proposed, consistent with measurements in patients' blood and inhibition by anti-TNF antibodies. Accelerated phagocytosis of spirochetes by polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes before rise in cytokines is responsible for removal of organisms from the blood, suggesting an early inflammatory signal from PMNs. Rarely fatal, except in neonates and in pregnancy for African women whose babies showed high perinatal mortality because of low birth weight, the JHR can be regarded as an adverse effect of antibiotics, necessary for achieving a cure of spirochetal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Ross University School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Dominica, West Indies.
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Benson CE, Soliman MK, Knezevic A, Xu DD, Nguyen QD, Do DV. Bilateral papillitis and unilateral focal chorioretinitis as the presenting features of syphilis. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2015; 5:16. [PMID: 26069511 PMCID: PMC4456579 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-015-0045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syphilis is a multisystem bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The incidence of infection in the United States has risen by more than 75% since the year 2000, when it was at a low of 2.1 per 100,000 people. Ocular involvement may occur in any stage of infection and may present in a variety of ways, with posterior uveitis being the most common manifestation. We report a case of ocular syphilis infection with an unusual presentation of bilateral non-granulomatous panuveitis with papillitis and unilateral focal chorioretinitis. Findings This is a retrospective case report with literature review. A 39-year-old Caucasian female presented with a 2-week history of bilateral ocular flashes and left eye pain. Dilated fundus examination revealed mild optic disc edema in both eyes, the right eye more than the left. In the left eye, there was an area of retinal elevation and whitening involving the peripheral retina. Fluorescein angiography, B-scan ultrasonography, and ocular coherence tomography were performed, and laboratory tests were ordered based on the clinical presentation. After rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs) were positive, syphilitic uveitis was confirmed, and the patient was admitted for a 14-day course of high-dose intravenous penicillin G. Conclusions The first signs and symptoms of syphilis may be ocular, which can lead to a diagnostic challenge. A high index of suspicion is the key for early diagnosis of ocular syphilis. Prompt treatment with intravenous penicillin G is highly effective in resolving the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Elizabeth Benson
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 3902 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105 USA
| | - Mohamed Kamel Soliman
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 3902 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105 USA ; Department of Ophthalmology, Assiut University Hospital, Al Gamaa St, Assiut, 71516 Egypt
| | - Alexander Knezevic
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 3902 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105 USA
| | - Daisy Ding Xu
- Tenth People's Hospital, 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai District, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Quan Dong Nguyen
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 3902 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105 USA
| | - Diana V Do
- Stanley M Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 3902 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105 USA
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Stroke after Initiating IV Penicillin for Neurosyphilis: A Possible Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction. Case Rep Neurol Med 2014; 2014:548179. [PMID: 25431710 PMCID: PMC4238263 DOI: 10.1155/2014/548179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Syphilis incidence has increased in the US in the last decade. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a well-documented adverse effect of penicillin treatment in syphilis. Stroke has not been reported as part of its phenomenology. Case Report. A 57-year-old man presented with worsening memory. His minimental status examination score was 14/30. Serum RPR test was positive and VDRL test in the CSF was reactive. Within six hours of first dose of IV crystalline penicillin G, he was found to have hemineglect and difficulty moving the left leg. MRI of the brain showed multiple acute ischemic strokes. Immediate MRA ruled out vascular occlusion. Penicillin treatment was stopped. Four hours later, he was found to be febrile and had two episodes of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Conclusions. We report a case of confirmed neurosyphilis with no known modifiable stroke risk factors, who developed acute ischemic stroke and other constitutional symptoms consistent with JHR after IV penicillin. This is the first reported case in literature where an acute ischemic stroke can be attributed to Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Given an increase in incidence of syphilis in recent years, our case underlies the importance of keeping in mind potential catastrophic drug adverse reactions in neurosyphilis patients.
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Lv Y, Chu F, Meng H, Wang Z, Cui L. A patient with progressive cognitive decline and periodic abnormal waves in EEG: PLEDs of neurosyphilis or PSDs of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease? Clin EEG Neurosci 2014; 45:218-21. [PMID: 24114074 DOI: 10.1177/1550059413500652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report one Chinese patient with neurosyphilis exhibiting periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the electroencephalogram (EEG). The patient (male, 59 years old) manifested with progressive cognitive decline and abnormal behavior. After several days, he gradually lost contact with others, and fell into a coma. EEG revealed periodic abnormal waves, predominantly located in the right anterior frontal region. The serum and cerebrospinal fluid Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain showed focal atrophy in the right frontal and temporal region. Diffusion-weighted MRI showed "lace sign" in cortex, which could be seen as an early and special feature in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). To differentiate "PLEDs of neurosyphilis on EEG" from "periodic synchronous discharges (PSD) of CJD on EEG," we treated this patient with diazepam 20 mg intravenously. After 10 minutes, periodic abnormal waves on EEG disappeared, with improved mental status, which confirmed the diagnosis of PLEDs of neurosyphilis. Then, after the treatment with penicillin, the patient improved and returned to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Lv
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of JiLin University, ChangChun City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengna Chu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of JiLin University, ChangChun City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Meng
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of JiLin University, ChangChun City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of JiLin University, ChangChun City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of JiLin University, ChangChun City, People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
No portion of the central nervous system is immune to the ravages of syphilis. Infection by Treponema pallidum can affect the meninges, brain, brainstem, spinal cord, nerve roots, and cerebral and spinal blood vessels. As a consequence, the disease may present in diverse and, at times, diagnostically challenging fashions. Neurologic manifestations of syphilis may develop within months of the initial infection or, alternatively, take decades to appear. Although approximately one-third of individuals infected by T. pallidum display cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities suggestive of invasion of the central nervous system by the organism, only a fraction of these develop clinically significant neurologic manifestations. The features of neurosyphilis may be modified by the concomitant presence of immunosuppressive agents or conditions such as HIV/AIDS. The epidemiology of neurosyphilis has largely paralleled that of syphilis in general. A dramatic decline occurred by the early 1950s as a consequence of public health measures and the widespread use of antibiotics. The incidence had increased by the onset of the AIDS pandemic and has since corresponded with the adoption of safe sex practices. The CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test remains the "gold standard" for diagnosis, but is not invariably positive. Penicillin remains the most effective and recommended therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Berger
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Dawson Dean
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Belum GR, Belum VR, Chaitanya Arudra SK, Reddy B. The Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction: Revisited. Travel Med Infect Dis 2013; 11:231-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Kobayashi J, Nakagawa Y, Tobisawa S, Isozaki E, Koide R. Deterioration of MRI findings related to Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in a patient with neurosyphilis. J Neurol 2010; 258:699-701. [PMID: 21042805 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-010-5808-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhang SQ, Wan B, Ma XL, Zheng HM. Worsened MRI findings during the early period of treatment with penicillin in a patient with general paresis. J Neuroimaging 2008; 18:360-3. [PMID: 18302644 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2007.00199.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A 52-year-old man was diagnosed with general paresis, whose HIV antibodies were negative. After initiation of treatment with penicillin on the first day, no obvious clinical Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction was found. However, 6 days after treatment, the patient was found more irritable and was unable to fall asleep at night. On the seventh day, worsened magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in the bilateral medial and anterior temporal lobes were unexpectedly discovered. These worsened MRI abnormalities improved quickly after the addition of dexamethasone treatment. We consider that these transient and slight mental symptoms may be associated with the transiently worsening phenomenon in cerebral MRI findings during the early period of treatment with penicillin. This indicates that some nonspecific inflammatory process has happened in the early stage of treatment, which necessitates the use of corticosteroids after the occurrence of systemic or mental symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- She-Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Symptomatic seizures in neurosyphilis: an experience from a university hospital in south India. Seizure 2008; 17:711-6. [PMID: 18555703 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Revised: 04/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurosyphilis has protean clinical manifestations, including epilepsy. However, there is paucity of literature providing details regarding seizures. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical profile and brain imaging features of 30 patients of neurosyphilis, and to evaluate the predictors and the outcome of seizures in this subgroup. PATIENT AND METHODS Among the 119 patients (M:F:: 84:35) of neurosyphilis, evaluated over 6 years, 30 patients (M:W::23:7, age: 37.5+/-10.1 years, duration of illness: 11.9+/-20.1 months) were reported to have seizures. CSF-VDRL was positive in all. In addition, HIV serology was positive in 2/20. RESULTS Seizure was the dominant symptom in all and lone manifestation in two patients. None had history of epilepsy. Their seizure profile was: generalized (17), partial (8), and status epilepticus (5). Concomitant manifestations were encephalopathy (7), meningitis (7), dementia (6), behavioral disturbances (4), stroke (2), and optic atrophy (1). CSF study revealed pleocytosis in 24 (34.6+/-51.5/cu mm) and raised protein in 20 (67+/-33.3mg%). CT scan was abnormal in 26 patients and revealed diffuse atrophy in all and focal hypodensities in 5 patients. MRI of brain (6) showed features of ischemia (2), meningeal enhancement (1) and white matter (1) and medial temporal (2) signal changes. Three patients had reversible periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs), without structural lesion. Nineteen patients received penicillin and/or ceftriaxone. At a mean follow up of 6.7+/-9.4 months, 13/17 had variable improvement. Nine patients required polytherapy and seizures remained uncontrolled in five patients. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic seizures due to neurosyphilis are frequent, may have diverse underlying mechanism(s) and rarely can be the lone manifestation. In view of availability of specific therapy for syphilis, a high index of suspicion is recommended.
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Abstract
We report two patients of neurosyphilis with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) in the EEG. Patient 1, a 32-yr-old man manifested with rapidly progressive cognitive decline and abnormal behavior and recurrent generalized tonic-clonic seizures. EEG revealed periodic epileptiform discharges arising from the anterior temporal and frontal region, predominantly from the right. Diffusion weighted MRI of brain did not show any focal restricted diffusion. Patient 2, a 33-yr-old woman presented with 2-year history of behavioral abnormalities, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and unconcerned urinary incontinence. EEG revealed PLEDS arising from the left anterior temporal region. Her CT scan showed gross cerebral atrophy. Both the patients improved partially with treatment and PLEDs resolved completely. PLEDs may be recorded in EEG of patients with neurosyphilis without imageological evidence of focal cerebral lesion.
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