[Stroke, HIV and meningovascular syphilis: study of three cases].

INTRODUCTION

Various clinical manifestations can occur in syphilis, especially meningovascular syphilis. We report three cases of ischemic stroke related to meningovascular syphilis and HIV infection.

CASE REPORTS: Three men, aged 30, 31 and 41, presented typical neurologic deficit leading to the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Radiographic investigations showed internal carotid thrombosis in two patients, and a basilar stenosis in the third. CSF analysis and blood samples revealed meningovascular syphilis associated with HIV infection. The other explorations were normal.

CONCLUSION

Due to the reemergence of syphilis, search for Treponema pallidum infection should be systematic in young stroke victims.