Nephrotic syndrome associated with early neurosyphilis.
- Author:
Jong Yoon KIM
1
;
Jung Hae KO
;
Won Dong LEE
;
Chi Sook MOON
;
Yeong Hoon KIM
;
Mi Sun KANG
;
Yang Wook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. kyw8625@chol.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Hepatitis;
Nephrotic syndrome;
Neurosyphilis;
Syphilis
- MeSH:
Biopsy;
Electrons;
Foot;
Glomerulonephritis, Membranous;
Hepatitis;
Humans;
Kidney;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Nephrotic Syndrome;
Neurosyphilis;
Penicillin G;
Penicillins;
Potassium;
Serologic Tests;
Syphilis
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2009;77(Suppl 1):S162-S167
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Nephrotic syndrome, hepatitis, and CNS involvement resulting from secondary syphilis are well-documented complications of neurosyphilis. However, the simultaneous occurrence of these complications is rare. The present report describes a 49-year-old male with early neurosyphilis who presented with features of nephritic syndrome and hepatitis. A diagnosis of neurosyphilis was made by CSF study and serologic tests. After the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, nephrotic syndrome and hepatitis were suspected to be factors of the neurosyphilis. A kidney biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy characterized by subepithelial electron dense deposits and diffuse effacement of foot processes. Abdominal ultrasonography showed hepatitis. The patient was treated with intravenous potassium penicillin G, 4 million units for 2 weeks, and the symptoms and signs resolved after the penicillin therapy. In conclusion, complications experienced by patients with a history of syphilis or syphilis lesions need to be minimized through careful observations and multi-organ treatments.
