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Reversal of Syphilitic Hydrocephalus with Intravenous Penicillin

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Mirco Cosottini ,
Mario Mascalchi ,
Gaetano Zaccara  and
Graziano Arnetoli
Mirco Cosottini
Affiliation:
Clinica Neurologica II, Università di Firenze, Florence
Mario Mascalchi*
Affiliation:
Cattedra di Radiologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Gaetano Zaccara
Affiliation:
Clinica Neurologica II, Università di Firenze, Florence
Graziano Arnetoli
Affiliation:
Clinica Neurologica II, Università di Firenze, Florence
*
Cattedra di Radiologia, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56125 Pisa, Italia
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Abstract:

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Background:

CSF shunting procedures are generally considered the fundamental therapy of syphilitic hydrocephalus.

Methods:

We followed up with CSF analysis and MR imaging a patient with progressive mental and gait disturbances and tetraventricular hydrocephalus due to tertiary syphilis who was treated for 14 days with high dose intravenous penicillin alone.

Results:

Clinical and CSF abnormalities resolved within a few months, whereas the hydrocephalus disappeared only 30 months after therapy.

Conclusions:

Before consideration of a CSF shunting procedure, a trial of high dose intravenous penicillin is warranted for patients with syphilitic hydrocephalus.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , November 1997 , pp. 343 - 344
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1997

References

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