Neurosyphilis mimicking giant cell arteritis both clinically and microscopically

Niels van Ruitenbeek; Marjo van Kasteren; Annet Bouma-de Krijger

doi:10.1136/bcr-2021-247642

Neurosyphilis mimicking giant cell arteritis both clinically and microscopically

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 May 31;15(5):e247642. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247642.

Authors

Niels van Ruitenbeek¹, Marjo van Kasteren¹, Annet Bouma-de Krijger²

Affiliations

¹ Internal Medicine, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
² Internal Medicine, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands [email protected].

Abstract

Temporal arteritis is usually caused by giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, inflammation of the temporal artery can also occur secondary to autoimmune diseases or infections.We present a remarkable case of a man in his 70s with biopsy proven temporal arteritis, who was later diagnosed with meningovascular neurosyphilis. The presentation of an acute onset monocular vision loss with inflammation of the temporal artery on biopsy appeared a GCA, misleading the physicians, as it turned out to be a manifestation of neurosyphilis.

Keywords: Infection (neurology); Infectious diseases; Ophthalmology; Pathology; Syphilis.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Biopsy
Giant Cell Arteritis* / complications
Humans
Inflammation / complications
Male
Neurosyphilis* / complications
Neurosyphilis* / diagnosis
Neurosyphilis* / drug therapy
Temporal Arteries / pathology