Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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July 28, 2014
Tabes Dorsalis
- The incidence of neurosyphilis is on the rise, partly due to increased longevity of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Tabes dorsalis is usually seen in partially treated or untreated patients 20–30 years after primary syphilis infection, as in this case.
- The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is based on clinical grounds, CSF findings, and serologic evidence.
- Key Diagnostic Features: Posterior column T2 hyperintensity is seen.
- DDx: Subacute combined degeneration (Vitamin B12 deficiency), multiple sclerosis, HIV myelopathy, nitrous oxide abuse, copper deficiency, and sarcoidosis
- Rx: Limited. Penicillin.