CV

Cardiovascular Syphilis

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Cardiovascular Syphilis, Syphilitic Myocarditis, Syphilitic Pericarditis

  • Background
  1. Manifestation of Tertiary Syphilis
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Arterial wall medial necrosis and loss of elastic fibers
  2. Typically affects aorta but may affect any part of the Cardiovascular System
  • Course
  1. Begins 5 to 10 years after initial infection
  2. Clinically seen 20-30 years after infection
  • Signs
  1. Obliterative endarteritis of vasa vasorum
  2. Ascending aorta develops
    1. Aortic Insufficiency
    2. Aortic aneurysm
  • Labs
  • Management
  • Complications
  1. Aortic Insufficiency
  2. Aorta Rupture
  • References
  1. Kirk, McHugh and Parnell (2023) Crit Dec Emerg Med 37(8): 23-9
  2. Green, Cohen, Billington (2016) Crit Dec Emerg Med 30(11): 4-10