Neurosyphilis in a young patient presented as rapid cognitive decline

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, known to have three distinct phases. The central nervous system involvement may occur as early as the second phase generally with syphilitic meningitis, but neurosyphilis always occurs in the tertiary phase with meningeal, meningovascular or parenchymal manifestations. We present the case of a rapid cognitive decline caused by neurosyphilis in a young adult, in our knowledge a very rare presentation in current practice. Even with a constant reduction of the incidence worldwide, syphilis should always be considered in young patients with rapid cognitive decline and other neurologic manifestations.

Keywords

• normal pressure hydrocephalus
• neurosyphilis
• dementia