MRI demonstrations of meningeal vascular type of neurosyphilis

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To analyze the MRI imaging demonstrations of meningeal vascular type of syphilis (MVTS) so as to improve the diagnosis of the disease. Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed MRI data of 6 cases of MVTS. All the cases were definitely diagnosed by cerebrospinal fluid examination and serological test. Results FLAIR sequencing demonstrated MVTS as multiple high signals of small nodular opacity in subarachnoid space or on the surface of the pia mater, accompanied by the adjacent pia mater and gyrus swelling and narrowed sulcus. Meningeal gumma could be accompanied by multiple nodular granuloma of syphilis in the brain, which was demonstrated as corolla-like enhancement. The granuloma of brain syphilis was shown with annular or nodular enhancement; Reexamination by FLAIR sequence revealed enlarged lesions range with high signal in the brain. DWI showed gradually decreased range of slightly high signal. FLAIR and DWI showed the transformation of lesions from cytotoxic brain edema to vasogenic brain edema. Conclusion MRI demonstrations of MVTS are diverse. However, MRI still plays important role in definitive diagnosis of MVTS.

Key words: Neurosyphilis, Meningeal vascular type, Magnetic resonance imaging

LIU Ren-wei, FANG Jin-zhi, ZHANG Yu-zhong. MRI demonstrations of meningeal vascular type of neurosyphilis[J]. Electronic Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2018, 3(1): 25-29.

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