A case of neurosyphilis accompanied by deterioration of type 2 diabetes management. (16th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arii, Kaoru; Kishino, Wakako; Tsuji, Kazuya; Sakamoto, Kei; Iwasaki, Yu; Yoshimoto, Yukio
• Is Part Of: Journal of general and family medicine. Volume 18:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 439
• Page End: 441
• Publication Date: 2017-10-16
• Subjects: cognitive impairment -- diabetes mellitus -- IADL -- neurosyphilis -- treatable dementia; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Family medicine -- Periodicals; Family Practice; Primary Health Care; Japan; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2189-7948

Abstract

Abstract: A 66‐year‐old man was admitted with visual impairment, functional disability, and worsening glycemic control. On admission, he had optic atrophy without diabetic retinopathy in both eyes, sensory impairment of the lower extremities, ataxia, and cognitive impairment. As both serum and cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for syphilis, he was diagnosed with neurosyphilis and treated with antibiotics. Functional ability and cognitive function improved after conducting syphilis treatment; we consequently started him on an insulin self‐administration program. Two years later, his glycemic control has normalized. Dementia caused by neurosyphilis is one of the most important differential diagnoses of treatable dementia; hence, early diagnosis and early treatment are important. Abstract : We treated neurosyphilis with antibiotic and succeeded. Cognitive function improved, and the diabetic control was normalized afterward. Early diagnosis and early treatment of treatable dementia are important.