More than meets the eye: Papilledema from syphilis posing as idiopathic intracranial hypertension. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chi, Sharon; Weintrob, Amy
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 31:Number 11(2020)
• Page Start: 1117
• Page End: 1119
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Syphilis (Treponema pallidum) -- North America -- diagnosis; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/0956462420943017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), or pseudotumor cerebri, is a diagnosis of exclusion. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) can result from a variety of inflammatory and structural causes affecting cerebrospinal fluid production and absorption. First described in 1935, syphilis is a well-established cause of elevated ICP, referred to as syphilitic hydrocephalus. We report a case of a 49-year-old man presenting with vision changes and headache who was treated for IIH without resolution of symptoms, and eventually diagnosed with syphilitic hydrocephalus. Syphilis should be considered as a cause of elevated ICP prior to a diagnosis of IIH.