Neurosyphilis With Concomitant Respiratory Failure: A Case Study and Treatment Considerations

Abstract

This case report presents the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male with hypercapnic respiratory failure (type 2 respiratory failure) and septic shock attributed to pneumonia. He also had multiorgan dysfunction and was subsequently diagnosed with neurosyphilis in the setting of underlying HIV. The patient initially presented with worsening shortness of breath and bilateral lower extremity edema. Further evaluation revealed HIV positivity with immunosuppression. The presence of neurologic symptoms on physical examination prompted investigation for an alternative etiology, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of neurosyphilis.