The incidence and clinical presentation of neurosyphilis in Greater Copenhagen 1974 through 1978

The incidence of neurosyphilis in the Greater Copenhagen region was found to be 0.30 per 100,000 inhabitants per year within a 5 year period. This figure is higher than incidence found in other studies from the last decades, but does not represent a statistically significant rise. Using hospital records from relevant departments 23 patients were described. General paresis and meningovascular cases were the most common manifestations. A tendency towards a changing clinical pattern of neurosyphilis was confirmed. Dementia and personality changes were the most frequently observed clinical symptoms. The classical signs of tabes dorsalis were seen in only very few patients. Stroke was a common manifestation. We recommend Standard Serological Tests for Syphilis to be carried out in patients under 60 years of age with cerebrovascular diseases, dementia and in patients where neurosyphilis could be even a remote diagnostic possibility.