Conference paper

NEUROSYPHILIS PRESENTING WITH COGNITIVE DEFICITS - A REPORT OF TWO CASES

Adam Wlodarczyk ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gda􀄔sk, Poland
Joanna Szarmach ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gda􀄔sk, Poland
Katarzyna Jakuszkowiak-Wojten ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gda􀄔sk, Poland
Maria Galuszko-Wegielnik ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gda􀄔sk, Poland
Mariusz S. Wiglusz ; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gda􀄔sk, Poland

Abstract

Background: Neurosyphilis is an infection of the brain or spinal cord caused by Treponema pallidum. In the third phase of
syphilis involving the central nervous system it may manifest in a widespread dysfunctions including psychiatric manifestations being often underestimated in the differential diagnosis.
Case reports: Two patients demonstrating rapid cognitive decline as the primary symptom for neurosyphillis are described with
particular focus on the diagnostic process complexity and adequate treatment delivery.
Conclusions: Clinical manifestations as well as psychiatric symptoms of syphilis are diverse and often non-specific. The
symptomatology of mood disorders in neurosyphilis is frequently atypical, intermittent, and pleomorphic and fails to meet DSM-5 diagnostic categories. Neurocognitive decline although could be one of the key symptoms domains in neurosyphilis. Those two cases emphasise the importance of specific differential diagnosis with rapid onset cognitive decline with spotlight to sexually transmitted diseases as syphilis.

Keywords

neurosyphilis; cognition; neuropsychiatric symptomatology; sexually transmitted disease

Hrčak ID:

263715

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/263715

Publication date:

15.6.2017.

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