Abstract

URIBE-ARANGO, Laura María et al. Syphilitic aortitis: forgotten manifestation of syphilis. Rev. Colomb. Cardiol. [online]. 2020, vol.27, n.4, pp.314-318.  Epub June 27, 2021. ISSN 0120-5633.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rccar.2019.05.002.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum (spirochete). It has various stages: primary, secondary and tertiary; depending on the time to progression from the moment the infection is acquired. Each stage involves various clinical manifestations; cardiovascular symptoms are part of tertiary syphilis, and syphilitic aortitis is the main form of presentation.

We present the case of a patient who consulted with a focal neurological deficit, in whom extension studies reported neurosyphilis and severe aortic failure secondary to perforation of the right coronary valve, which required aortic valve replacement by bioprosthesis. We also undertake a review of the main cardiovascular manifestations of this disease.

Although in the post-antibiotic era this type of late manifestation is increasingly less frequent, it is imperative that we are aware of it.

Keywords : Tertiary syphilis; Cardiovascular syphilis; Syphilitic aortitis; Aortic valve failure; Aortic aneurysm.

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