25 September 2014 : Case report
Acute Cranial Neuropathies Heralding Neurosyphilis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient
Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Educational Purpose (only if useful for a systematic review or synthesis)
Saeed AlqahtaniABCDEFDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.892292
Am J Case Rep 2014; 15:411-415
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Symptomatic early neurosyphilis with isolated acute multiple cranial nerves palsy as initial manifestation of HIV infection is very rare. It is caused by direct invasion of the central nervous system by the spirochete Treponema pallidum.
CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old African-American homosexual man presented with bilateral hearing loss, constant vertigo, intermittent horizontal diplopia, and bilateral facial droop, which was associated with occipital headache without fever. Neurological examination revealed bilateral vestibulocochlear and facial nerve palsy. On brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after administration of gadolinium, he was found to have extensive isolated basilar meningeal enhancement involving the midbrain, pons along the seven and eight nerves complex bilaterally, consistent with basal meningoencephalitis.
CONCLUSIONS: Neurosyphilis can present as initial manifestation of HIV infection with early involvement of basal meninges and cranial nerves. It is important to understand that neurosyphilis is still a significant disease with complex neurological presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis is crucial due to potential persistent disabilities that can be easily treated or even prevented.
Keywords: Cranial Nerve Diseases - etiology, Diagnosis, Differential, HIV, HIV Infections - virology, Homosexuality, Male, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neurosyphilis - microbiology, Treponema pallidum - isolation & purification
In Press
19 Mar 2024 : Case report
Bilateral Simultaneous Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage: A Case ReportAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943174
19 Mar 2024 : Case report
Medial Hoffa Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review of Approach and ManagementAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943136
21 Mar 2024 : Case report
Pediatric Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema After Brain Tumor Removal Complicated with Severe Myocardial Injury: A...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943645
21 Mar 2024 : Case report
Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Challenges in the Context of COVID-19Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942921
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United StatesDOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of CocaineDOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250