Neurosyphilis in the mixed urban–rural community of the Netherlands

Abstract

The incidence of neurosyphilis in a mixed urban-rural community such as the Netherlands is comparable to that in other European countries. Most patients are young, urban and men, and given the frequent atypical manifestations of the disease reintroduction of screening for neurosyphilis has to be considered.

Clinical Presentation of General Paralysis of the Insane in a Dutch Psychiatric Hospital, 1924-1954

“…Like in other studies, Some patients presented with several kinds of delusions. an under-representation of farmers is observed, which has been interpreted previously as a consequence of life and work in rural areas far from the turbulent city life [3,5,7,18] . In general, records retrieved in this historical series were rather short and not always complete regarding the description of symptomatology.…”

“…However, GPI has not yet disappeared and should, therefore, still be considered in the diagnostic workup of psychiatric and neurological patients [3] .…”

Tabes dorsalis – a disease that must not be forgotten

“…disCussion The present case is worth reviewing for at least two reasons. First, descriptions of cases of tabes dorsalis from European centers are rare [6][7][8]. In studies by Danish and Dutch authors, late parenchymal syphilis of the CNS was diagnosed relatively frequently, as opposed to studies by Spanish authors [6][7][8].…”

“…The examination must be conducted in all patients diagnosed with syphilis in whom abnormalities have been found in neurological, ophthalmological, psychiatric or laryngological examinations regardless of the duration of syphilis, and in all patients with tertiary syphilis [5]. Lack of an appropriate serological response after syphilis treatment, as well as alternative (tetracycline-based) treatment of late syphilis, can also be an indication for lumbar puncture [6][7][8]. In cerebrospinal fluid, a protein concentration assessment, mononuclear cell count, as well as non-treponemal (VDRL) and treponemal (TPHA, FTA, FTA-ABS) tests, must be assessed [5].…”

“…Po pierwsze, opisy przypadków wiądu rdzenia z ośrodków europejskich są rzadkie [6][7][8]. W badaniach autorów duńskich i holenderskich kiła późna miąższowa OUN była diagnozowana stosunkowo często w przeciwieństwie do badań autorów hiszpańskich [6][7][8]. Po drugie, u chorej współwystępowały dwa inne zakażenia przenoszone drogą płciową -zakażenie chlamydialne (bezobjawowe) i zakażenie HCV.…”