Syphilitic Gummata in the Central Nervous System: A Narrative Review and Case Report about a Noteworthy Clinical Manifestation

Abstract

Infection with Treponema pallidum is on the rise. In this narrative literature review, we show that the incidence of rare manifestations of syphilis, such as intracerebral gummata, is increasing and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracerebral lesions. With the exemplary case that we present here, we aim to raise awareness of the resurgence of this disease, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracerebral lesions, especially for patients who have a risk profile for syphilis, and serological testing for T. pallidum prior to surgery should be discussed in order to avoid an unnecessary operation.

Keywords

• neurosyphilis
• syphilis
• treponema pallidum
• syphilitic gumma
• central nervous system gumma
• cerebral syphilitic gumma