Syphilitic cerebral gummata: A case report

Abstract

A 32-year-old male with a history of secondary syphilis presents with an acute transient right sided motor and sensory deficit with an expressive aphasia. MRI of the brain reveals 3 contrast enhancing nodules in the left frontal cortex. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid shows a lymphocytic pleocytosis and increased protein content. The diagnosis of syphilitic cerebral gummata is suspected and the patient is treated with intravenous penicillin. 7 weeks later the intracerebral mass lesions have disappeared completely. Syphilis is a rare disease in Western Europe. An asymptomatic meningitis is the first and most frequent form of neurosyphilis, requiring adequate treatment to prevent progre..