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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Case report

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

Authors: Katrin Milger, Vera Fleig, Anke Kohlenberg, Thomas Discher, Jürgen Lohmeyer

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

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.

Case presentation

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.

Conclusion

Awareness of syphilis as a differential diagnosis is important as previously unreported presentations of neurosyphilis can arise, especially in HIV infected patients.
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Metadata
Title
Neurosyphilis manifesting with unilateral visual loss and hyponatremia: a case report
Authors
Katrin Milger
Vera Fleig
Anke Kohlenberg
Thomas Discher
Jürgen Lohmeyer
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-11-17

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