Neurosyphilis presenting as herpes simplex virus encephalitis

Abstract

AbstractA 63‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of sudden slow response and irrelevant answer for three days. The brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left‐sided hyperintense lesion and moderate expansiveness involving the hippocampus, insular cortex, and temporal lobe, which mimicking herpes simplex virus encephalitis. Her cerebrospinal fluid examination disclosed the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay and rapid plasma regain test were both positive. A diagnosis of neurosyphilis was made, and the patient was benefited from penicillin therapy.