[Atypical neurosyphilis: 28 cases observed at the University Hospital Center of Conakry].

Overview

This study describes a series of 28 cases of neurosyphylis presenting atypical oligosymptomatic syndromes involving epileptic attack, chronic headache, peripheral facial paralysis, deafness, isolated optic atrophy, and cerebral ataxia. Diagnosis was based on positive results (VDRL-TPHA) of serological reactions in blood samples and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid showing pleocytosis (mean lymphocyte level, 69%) and elevated protein levels. Epilepsy and chronic headache were the most common clinical manifestations. Brain scan demonstrated low-grade ventricular dilatation associated with nonspecific cerebral atrophy in 8 cases and isolated cerebral atrophy in three. In the remaining 17 cases brain scans were normal.