Answer 3 Lumbar puncture. Neurosyphilis can occur in early stages, and lumbar puncture should be considered in patients with high rapid plasma reagent titers of 1:32 or greater, especially in patients with HIV. Dark field microscopy of the lesions would not be helpful in the evaluation of neurosyphilis. Beginning treatment without confirming the diagnosis of neurosyphilis would lead to inappropriate duration of antibiotics and route of administration. Click here to return to the questions
Click here to read more about Manifestations of Syphilis (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Check our archives to test your knowledge in other clinical signs: If you do not already have Acrobat Reader, simply click on the icon below, scroll down to the "Get the Free Acrobat Reader" heading and follow the instructions to install the program. Acrobat enables you to convert any document into an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file for easy viewing. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2009, Turner White Communications Updated 2/05/09 • nvf