FEATURES OF DIAGNOSTICS OF EARLY NEUROSYPHILIS
The study included clinical examination and laboratory diagnostics in cases of early neurosyphilis. The diagnosis of neurosyphilis was based on results of standard neurological examination, as well as consulting by dermatovenereologist and ophthalmologist, and appropriate serological testing. Cognitive functions were estimated by means of MMSE and Frontal Assessment Battery test panels. Forty-eight patients with early neurosyphilis were enrolled into the study, including 33 males (27 to 70 years old), and 15 females (18 to 65 years old). 28 patients were aged until 45 years, 14 patients were aged from 45 years to 60, 6 patients were older than 60 years. Twenty-seven patients with syphilitic meningitis were exposed (males, 19; females, 8). Nineteen patients with meningovascular forms (males, 13; females, 6) were under study. Two male patients were admitted with cerebral stroke. In two other cases, cerebral vasculitis was diagnosed. Only 10 patients of 27 exhibited specific skin and mucous manifestations of syphilis (7 males и 3 females). Total MMSE test scores in a sample of 48 patients ranged from 19 to 30 (a mean of 26 points); 23 patients had a mild cognitive impairment; 8 patients showed a moderate dementia. Total scores with Frontal Assessment testing ranged from 6 to 18 (a mean of 15 points); 27 patients had a mild cognitive impairment, 6 patients had moderate dementia.