Neurosyphilis presenting as new onset refractory status epilepticus: one of the multifarious faces of a great imitator
Rafael Ruiz-Gaviria
A * , Lilia Gutierrez Villarin A , Robert Ross A B and Crystal Janani C
A Department of Medicine, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
B Infectious Diseases Associates P.A., Ellicot City, MD, USA.
C Department of Neurology, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Sexual Health 19(2) 141-144 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH21190
Submitted: 19 October 2021 Accepted: 10 March 2022 Published: 28 April 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Background: Neurosyphilis can present in a myriad of ways, making the suspicion and diagnosis of this disease a great challenge for the clinician.
Methods: We present a case of a 54-year-old patient who initially presented with cognitive changes and was eventually found to have new onset refractory status epilepticus.
Results: Neurosyphilis is still a frequent entity nowadays, with involvement of both HIV positive and negative patients.
Conclusion: The presentation with new onset status epilepticus is rare and uncommon for neurosyphilis; however, its early identification and treatment could prevent further morbidity and mortality.
Keywords: immunocompetent, neurosyphilis, new onset refractory status epilepticus, status epilepticus, CSF, sexually transmitted disease, secondary seizure, VDRL.
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