Neurosyphilis showing transient global amnesia-like attacks and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities mainly in the limbic system

Intern Med. 2001 May;40(5):439-42. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.40.439.

Abstract

We report a case of neurosyphilis with transient global amnesia (TGA)-like attacks on the first presentation. MRI abnormalities in bilateral limbic systems, including a few lesions in the basal ganglia and thalamus, were identified. Depression and dementia became apparent, accompanied by a high treponemal antibody titer and mild cortical atrophy. Antisyphilitic therapy brought about mild improvement, and the MRI abnormalities decreased.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amnesia / etiology*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis
  • Basal Ganglia / pathology
  • Dementia / etiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Gallium Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Limbic System / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Neurosyphilis / diagnosis*
  • Neurosyphilis / psychology*
  • Neurosyphilis / virology
  • Thalamus / pathology
  • Treponema pallidum / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Gallium Radioisotopes