Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature
Abstract Background Neurosyphilis typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as behavioral changes or cognitive impairment, rather than an initial stroke. Case presentation This case report describes a Black African man in his thirties who experienced sudden weakness on the left side of his b...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05090-9 |
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| author | Elsah Tegene Asefa Tamirat Godebo Woyimo Yosef Bekele Bonsa Addisalem Gebre Silase |
| author_facet | Elsah Tegene Asefa Tamirat Godebo Woyimo Yosef Bekele Bonsa Addisalem Gebre Silase |
| author_sort | Elsah Tegene Asefa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Neurosyphilis typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as behavioral changes or cognitive impairment, rather than an initial stroke. Case presentation This case report describes a Black African man in his thirties who experienced sudden weakness on the left side of his body. Computed tomography suggested a nucleo-capsular ischemic lesion. However, given his young age and lack of traditional stroke risk factors, further investigations were pursued. Laboratory tests revealed positive results for syphilis in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Additional imaging (head and neck angiography) indicated intracranial vasculitis with widespread and acute ischemia in the right hemisphere. Treatment with ceftriaxone and aspirin was initiated. Through ongoing monitoring and care, the patient’s neurological condition improved. Conclusion The case underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis and comprehensive assessment in patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms, especially in younger individuals. By recognizing neurosyphilis as a potential cause, healthcare providers can initiate timely treatment and improve patient outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d4615aacf59047638f3dcf2ec95bcf1e |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1752-1947 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical Case Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-d4615aacf59047638f3dcf2ec95bcf1e2025-08-20T02:17:54ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-04-011911810.1186/s13256-025-05090-9Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literatureElsah Tegene Asefa0Tamirat Godebo Woyimo1Yosef Bekele Bonsa2Addisalem Gebre Silase3Internist and Interventional Cardiologist, Jimma UniversityInternal Medicine, Jimma UniversityInternal Medicine, Jimma UniversityInternal Medicine, Jimma UniversityAbstract Background Neurosyphilis typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as behavioral changes or cognitive impairment, rather than an initial stroke. Case presentation This case report describes a Black African man in his thirties who experienced sudden weakness on the left side of his body. Computed tomography suggested a nucleo-capsular ischemic lesion. However, given his young age and lack of traditional stroke risk factors, further investigations were pursued. Laboratory tests revealed positive results for syphilis in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Additional imaging (head and neck angiography) indicated intracranial vasculitis with widespread and acute ischemia in the right hemisphere. Treatment with ceftriaxone and aspirin was initiated. Through ongoing monitoring and care, the patient’s neurological condition improved. Conclusion The case underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis and comprehensive assessment in patients experiencing stroke-like symptoms, especially in younger individuals. By recognizing neurosyphilis as a potential cause, healthcare providers can initiate timely treatment and improve patient outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05090-9NeurosyphilisStrokeMeningovascular syphilisImmunocompetent adultRare |
| spellingShingle | Elsah Tegene Asefa Tamirat Godebo Woyimo Yosef Bekele Bonsa Addisalem Gebre Silase Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature Journal of Medical Case Reports Neurosyphilis Stroke Meningovascular syphilis Immunocompetent adult Rare |
| title | Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature |
| title_full | Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature |
| title_fullStr | Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature |
| title_short | Ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment: a case report and review of the literature |
| title_sort | ischemic stroke as a presenting feature of neurosyphilis in an immunocompetent adult and attained complete recovery following treatment a case report and review of the literature |
| topic | Neurosyphilis Stroke Meningovascular syphilis Immunocompetent adult Rare |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05090-9 |
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