Tabetic arthropathy: a rare cause of infectious spondylodiscitis: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Tabetic arthropathy is a rare complication of neurosyphilis. It can affect all joints, particularly the spine and ankle. Diagnosis is difficult due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms. Currently, it has become rare thanks to the early treatment of syphilis. We report a case of tabetic arthropathy. Clinical case: A 50-year-old patient presented with lumbosciatica and left ankle swelling. Clinical and radiological findings were consistent with neurosyphilis complicated by tabetic arthropathy, confirmed by syphilis serology in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment consisted of Benzathine benzylpenicillin injections, and the patient's condition improved, with neurological signs improving and lumbar pain regressing. Conclusion: Syphilitic tabes dorsalis is a rare but serious etiology of infectious spondylodiscitis, making it important to consider in cases with compatible clinical presentations. Keywords: tabetic arthropathy, neurosyphilis, spondylodiscitis, tabes dorsalis.