An Early Presentation of Neurosyphilis Manifesting as Cranial Polyneuropathies: A Case Report

Abstract

Neurosyphilis (NS) is a rarely reported disease, with neurological manifestations occurring in the late stages of the infection. The incidence of NS has steadily increased, particularly with increased cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among homosexual partners, and can occur at any stage of the disease. In this case report, we present a 53-year-old homosexual man with HIV who presented with a gradual onset of vertigo over a course of 2 weeks, followed by gradual onset of multiple cranial neuropathies. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed pathological enhancement of multiple cranial nerves. Laboratory workup revealed reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory dilutional titer in the cerebrospinal fluid, supporting the diagnoses of NS. He was treated with intravenous penicillin with gradual resolution of symptoms. Our case illustrates that NS can occur with no known prior evidence or manifestation of the infection. The diagnosis of NS should be entertained in individuals with a known history of HIV and unexplained multiple cranial neuropathies.

J Neurol Res. 2021;11(1-2):27-31
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jnr650