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Fournel J, Hermier M, Martin A, Gamondès D, Tommasino E, Broussolle T, Morgado A, Baassiri W, Cotton F, Berthezène Y, Bani-Sadr A. It Looks Like a Spinal Cord Tumor but It Is Not. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1004. [PMID: 38473365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051004] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic spinal cord pathologies may be challenging due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. Spinal cord tumors, which comprise only 2-4% of central nervous system tumors, are rarer than non-tumoral myelopathies of inflammatory, vascular, or infectious origins. The risk of neurological deterioration and the high rate of false negatives or misdiagnoses associated with spinal cord biopsies require a cautious approach. Facing a spinal cord lesion, prioritizing more common non-surgical myelopathies in differential diagnoses is essential. A comprehensive radiological diagnostic approach is mandatory to identify spinal cord tumor mimics. The diagnostic process involves a multi-step approach: detecting lesions primarily using MRI techniques, precise localization of lesions, assessing lesion signal intensity characteristics, and searching for potentially associated anomalies at spinal cord and cerebral MRI. This review aims to delineate the radiological diagnostic approach for spinal cord lesions that may mimic tumors and briefly highlight the primary pathologies behind these lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Fournel
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Marc Hermier
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Anna Martin
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Delphine Gamondès
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Emanuele Tommasino
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Théo Broussolle
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Alexis Morgado
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Wassim Baassiri
- Department of Spine and Spinal Cord Neurosurgery, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Francois Cotton
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Department of Radiology, South Lyon Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 165 Chemin du Grand Revoyet, 69495 Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Yves Berthezène
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Alexandre Bani-Sadr
- Department of Neuroradiology, East Group Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 Bd Pinel, 69500 Bron, France
- CREATIS Laboratory, CNRS UMR 5220, INSERM U1294, Claude Bernard Lyon I University, 7 Avenue Jean Capelle, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
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Ung H, Ferrey D. Neurosyphilis presenting with Guillain-Barre syndrome: a case report. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:421. [PMID: 38001427 PMCID: PMC10675934 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03471-5] [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] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis is associated with a wide variety of systemic presentations, earning it the moniker "The great mimicker". Neurosyphilis is classically associated with meningovasculitis in the acute-subacute stage and tabes dorsalis and dementia paralytica in later stages. However, one of the less well described presentations include Guillain-Barre Syndrome. This case presents a patient with an ascending polyneuropathy suspicious for Guillain-Barre Syndrome who also had other atypical findings including a truncal sensory loss, optic disc swelling, and rash ultimately found to have neurosyphilis. Electrodiagnostic testing was consistent with demyelination, supporting a diagnosis of neurosyphilis associated Guillain-Barre Syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION A 37-year-old female presented to the emergency department with a weakness and difficulty swallowing. She described a three-month history of symptoms, initially starting with a persistent headache followed by one month of a pruritic rash on her chest, palms, and soles. Two weeks prior to presentation, she developed progressive weakness in her arms, numbness in her arms and chest, and difficulty swallowing. Neurological exam was notable for multiple cranial neuropathies, distal predominant weakness in all extremities, length-dependent sensory loss, and hyporeflexia. Investigation revealed a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory in her cerebrospinal fluid without significant pleocytosis, contrast enhancement in cranial nerves V, VII, and VIII on MRI, and a demyelinating polyneuropathy on electrodiagnostic testing. She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, secondary to neurosyphilis. The patient acutely declined and required intubation, and ultimately made a full recovery after treatment with plasmapheresis and penicillin. CONCLUSIONS This case describes a clinical entity of syphilitic Guillain-Barre Syndrome and highlights the importance of including syphilis in the differential of any patient presenting with ascending polyradiculopathy, especially given the resurgence of syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoameng Ung
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
| | - Dominic Ferrey
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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Garcia JJB, Coralde JL, Bagnas MAC, Khu KJO. Isolated Cranial Nerve VI Palsy and Neurosyphilis: A Case Report and Review of Related Literature. IDCases 2022; 27:e01377. [PMID: 35036319 PMCID: PMC8749207 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
An isolated cranial nerve VI palsy is a rare initial manifestation of undiagnosed neurosyphilis. A 33-year-old male presented with a one month history of progressive headache and diplopia. Neurologic examination only revealed an isolated abducens palsy on the left. Cranial imaging was unremarkable. Examination of his cerebrospinal fluid revealed lymphocytic predominant leukocytosis and elevated protein. Microbiologic work-up were all negative. Further work-up revealed the patient to be serum Rapid Plasma Reagin and Enzyme Immunoassay reactive. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Human Immunodeficiency Virus also tested positive. His cerebrospinal fluid was then sent for Rapid Plasma Reagin to confirm the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. He completed 14 days of intravenous penicillin and was eventually discharged with partial resolution of the abducens palsy. We describe the second case of neurosyphilis presenting only with an isolated cranial nerve VI involvement. On further review, ours was the first case documented on an individual who had an undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. There are various differentials for an isolated cranial neuritis but infectious causes, particularly neurosyphilis, should be considered among young individuals with known risk factors despite their apparently benign medical history.
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Key Words
- AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- CALAS, Cryptococcal Antigen Latex Agglutination System
- CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CN, cranial nerve
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, erebrospinal fluid
- EIA, Enzyme immunoassay
- FTA-ABS, Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption
- HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
- RBC, red blood cells
- RPR, Rapid Plasma Reagin
- USA, United States of America
- VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
- WBC, white blood cells
- abducens nerve
- casse report
- cranial nerve VI
- neuritis
- neurosyphilis
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Affiliation(s)
- Jao Jarro B. Garcia
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Jalea L. Coralde
- Division of Adult Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Kathleen Joy O. Khu
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
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Koh PX, Neo SX, Chiew HJ, Singh DR, Saini M, Chen Z. Syphilitic Spinal Disease: An Old Nemesis Revisited. A Case Series and Review of Literature. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:e126-e131. [PMID: 33512899 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Syphilitic spinal disease is a rare condition caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, either from direct spirochete involvement of the cord or as a consequence of indirect spirochete involvement of the meninges, blood vessels, or the vertebral column. After the introduction of penicillin therapy in the 1940s, it has become an increasingly rare condition. We report 3 challenging cases of syphilitic spinal disease presenting as myelopathy-1 with an extra-axial gumma of tertiary syphilis causing cord compression and 2 with tabes dorsalis complicated by tabetic spinal neuroarthropathy-each presenting a diagnostic dilemma to their treating physicians. We also review the literature for updates on modern investigative modalities and discuss pitfalls physicians need to avoid to arrive at the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xuan Koh
- From the Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Shermyn Xiumin Neo
- From the Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Hui Jin Chiew
- From the Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | | | - Monica Saini
- From the Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- From the Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore
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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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Abstract
The syndrome of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia was first described in 1956 by Miller Fisher. This syndrome has long been believed to be a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), mainly because of its areflexia, cerebrospinal fluid findings, and its postinfectious presentation. The case of an 11-year-old male with Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is described. MFS differs from GBS in several key clinical features and presents an extensive and challenging differential diagnosis. It is useful to recognize MFS as both a variant of GBS and a distinct entity with its own therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Bushra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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