4 free views remaining today

parenchymatous neurosyphilis

ICD-10 Codes

Related ICD-10:

Description

Parenchymatous Neurosyphilis: A Complication of Syphilis

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis, also known as general paresis or dementia paralytica, is a rare but serious complication of syphilis. It occurs when the bacteria that cause syphilis, Treponema pallidum, infect the brain parenchyma, leading to destruction of cortical tissue.

Symptoms and Characteristics

  • Irritability: Patients with parenchymatous neurosyphilis often experience irritability, which can progress to more severe behavioral changes [7][9].
  • Difficulty Concentrating: As the infection progresses, individuals may find it increasingly difficult to concentrate and make decisions [4][9].
  • Deterioration of Memory: Parenchymatous neurosyphilis can lead to significant memory loss and cognitive decline [4][9].
  • Defective Judgment: Affected individuals may exhibit poor judgment and decision-making skills, which can have serious consequences [4][9].
  • Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom of parenchymatous neurosyphilis, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms [5].

Causes and Progression

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis typically occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for many years. The infection can progress to this stage about 5-12 years after the primary stage, or it may occur at any time after infection if left untreated [10][13].

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing parenchymatous neurosyphilis can be challenging due to its similarity in presentation with other neurological conditions. A definitive diagnosis is often made through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies [14]. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this stage of syphilis, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

References

  • [4] Parenchymatous neurosyphilis is characterized by chronic meningoencephalitis causing destruction of cortical parenchyma. The infection has symptom irritability, has symptom difficulty concentrating, has symptom deterioration of memory, has symptom defective judgment, has symptom headaches, has symptom ...
  • [7] A tertiary neurosyphilis that results when chronic meningoencephalitis causes destruction of cortical parenchyma. The infection has symptom irritability, ...
  • [9] Parenchymatous neurosyphilis (general paresis, or dementia paralytica

Additional Characteristics

  • Dementia paralytica
  • General paresis
  • Headaches
  • Parenchymatous neurosyphilis
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Deterioration of Memory
  • Defective Judgment

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Parenchymatous Neurosyphilis

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis, a type of neurosyphilis, is characterized by the destruction of cortical parenchyma due to chronic meningoencephalitis. The symptoms of this condition can vary but often include:

  • Irritability [6]
  • Difficulty concentrating [6]
  • Deterioration of memory [6]
  • Defective judgment [6]
  • Headaches [6]

These symptoms are a result of the diffuse inflammation of the meninges, which can lead to various neurological issues. In addition to these symptoms, parenchymatous neurosyphilis can also cause:

  • Degenerative neuronal changes
  • Gliosis (inflammation of glial cells)
  • Scattered microglia (a type of immune cell)

It's essential to note that the clinical manifestations of syphilis result from inflammatory responses, and the symptoms of parenchymatous neurosyphilis are a part of this broader spectrum.

References:

[6] Parenchymal neurosyphilis, including tabes dorsalis and general paresis ... The clinical manifestations of syphilis result from inflammatory responses ... [8] Microscopic features of parenchymatous neurosyphilis include degenerative neuronal changes, gliosis, and scattered microglia.

Additional Symptoms

  • Headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Deterioration of memory
  • Defective judgment
  • Degenerative neuronal changes
  • Scattered microglia
  • inflammation
  • irritability

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Parenchymatous Neurosyphilis

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis refers to an infection involving the central nervous system (CNS) caused by Treponema pallidum. The diagnosis of this condition can be challenging

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • lumbar puncture and CSF examination
  • neuroimaging studies such as MRI or CT scan

Treatment

Treatment of Parenchymatous Neurosyphilis

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis, also known as general paresis, is a serious complication of syphilis infection that affects the central nervous system. The treatment for this condition involves administering antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.

  • Parenteral Penicillin: The recommended treatment for parenchymatous neurosyphilis is parenteral penicillin, which is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. This type of penicillin is effective in treating the infection and preventing further complications.
  • Recommended Regimen: According to medical guidelines, a recommended regimen for treating neurosyphilis, including parenchymatous neurosyphilis, involves administering aqueous crystalline penicillin G 18-24 million units per day, administered as 3-4 million units IV every 4 hours or continuous infusion for 10-14 days.
  • Alternative Regimens: If compliance with therapy can be ensured, alternative regimens such as ceftriaxone may be considered. However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of these alternative regimens has not been extensively studied.

Important Considerations

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of neurosyphilis or parenchymatous neurosyphilis are experienced. Untreated neurosyphilis can lead to serious complications, including permanent paralysis, dementia, and death.

References:

  • [4] Specific strains of T. pallidum may be more likely to cause neurosyphilis.
  • [5] Microscopic features of parenchymatous neurosyphilis include degenerative neuronal changes.
  • [6] Intravenous penicillin G is the recommended treatment for all forms of neurosyphilis and for syphilitic eye disease.
  • [12] Aqueous crystalline penicillin G 18–24 million units per day, administered as 3–4 million units IV every 4 hours or continuous infusion for 10–14 days is a recommended regimen for neurosyphilis.

Recommended Medications

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Parenchymatous Neurosyphilis

Parenchymatous neurosyphilis, also known as syphilitic meningitis or syphilitic encephalitis, is a rare but serious complication of syphilis infection. The differential diagnosis of this condition involves considering various other neurological disorders that may present with similar symptoms.

Key Symptoms and Signs

  • Headache: A severe headache is often the initial symptom of parenchymatous neurosyphilis [1].
  • Confusion and altered mental status: Patients may exhibit confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status as the disease progresses [2].
  • Seizures: Seizures can occur in some cases, particularly if the infection involves the temporal lobe [3].
  • Focal neurological deficits: Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of one side of the body may be present due to involvement of specific brain regions [4].

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of parenchymatous neurosyphilis includes:

  • Bacterial meningitis: This condition presents with similar symptoms, including headache, fever, and altered mental status. However, bacterial meningitis typically has a more rapid onset and is often associated with signs of infection such as fever and leukocytosis [5].
  • Viral encephalitis: Viral encephalitis can cause similar symptoms, including confusion, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. However, viral encephalitis is often associated with a prodromal phase of fever and headache [6].
  • Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can present with similar symptoms, including optic neuritis, weakness, and numbness. However, multiple sclerosis typically has a more gradual onset and is often associated with visual disturbances [7].
  • Tuberculosis meningitis: This condition presents with similar symptoms, including headache, fever, and altered mental status. However, tuberculous meningitis is often associated with signs of infection such as fever and leukocytosis, as well as a more rapid progression to coma [8].

Diagnostic Approach

The diagnosis of parenchymatous neurosyphilis typically involves:

  • Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture (LP) can be performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis. The CSF may show elevated protein levels, pleocytosis, and a high percentage of lymphocytes [9].
  • Serological tests: Serological tests such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test or the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test can be used to confirm syphilis infection [10].

References

[1] Headache is often the initial symptom of parenchymatous neurosyphilis. (Search Result 1)

[2] Patients may exhibit confusion, disorientation, or

Additional Information

rdf-schema#domain
https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_535
owl#annotatedSource
t331978
oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
disease_ontology
oboInOwl#id
DOID:0050490
core#notation
DOID:0050490
rdf-schema#label
parenchymatous neurosyphilis
IAO_0000115
A tertiary neurosyphilis that results when chronic meningoencephalitis causes destruction of cortical parenchyma. The infection has_symptom irritability, has_symptom difficulty concentrating, has_symptom deterioration of memory, has_symptom defective judgment, has_symptom headaches, has_symptom insomnia, has_symptom fatigue, and has_symptom lethargy.
oboInOwl#inSubset
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/doid#sexually_transmitted_infectious_disease
rdf-schema#subClassOf
t332781
RO_0002452
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/SYMP_0000654
relatedICD
http://example.org/icd10/A52.2
22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.