Neurosyphilis manifesting with unilateral visual loss and hyponatremia: a case report

• Main Authors: Discher Thomas, Kohlenberg Anke, Fleig Vera, Milger Katrin, Lohmeyer Jürgen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-01-01
• Series: BMC Infectious Diseases
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/11/17

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Syphilis is called the chameleon of the diseases due to its variety of its clinical presentations, potentially affecting every organ of the body. Incidence of this ancient disease is once again on the increase worldwide.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We here report an unusual case of neurosyphilis manifesting with unilateral visual loss and hyponatremia. The patient also had primary syphilitic lesions and was concomitantly diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. Treatment with ceftriaxone and prednisolone, completely resolved the hyponatremia and visual acuity was partially restored.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Awareness of syphilis as a differential diagnosis is important as previously unreported presentations of neurosyphilis can arise, especially in HIV infected patients.</p>