EARLY CONGENITAL SYPHILITIC PSEUDOPARALYSIS (PARROT’S DISEASE): A CLINICAL CASE

Background. Congenital syphilis is a severe intrauterine infection which, affecting most of the organs and systems of a child, can lead to his disability. However, it is extremely difficult to suspect congenital syphilis in a child in the absence of information about prior syphilis in his mother. The article presents a case of a monosymptomatic clinical picture of early congenital syphilis.

Description of the Clinical Case. At the age of 1 month, the child had hyperemia, isolated edema of the right forearm, and restriction of limb movements. He was examined by a pediatrician who suspected a fracture of the forearm bones. X-ray did not show any fracture. The situation was regarded as an allergic reaction; desensitizing therapy was prescribed during which the range of movements in the right arm slightly increased. At the age of 2 months, there was a decrease in the range of movements in the left arm. On admission, the condition was regarded as moderate one. No fever; no signs of intoxication. Skin and visible mucous membranes were not changed. Cardiopulmonary activity was satisfactory. The abdomen was palpable in all compartments, painless. The liver was enlarged 6 cm, of dense consistency. The spleen was enlarged 5 cm. Bowel and bladder functions were normal. Neurological status: the reaction to examination was adequate, emotional cry. Cranial nerves without pathology. Can see and hear. Restricted range of movements in the arms; passive movements were painful. Muscle tone in the arms was low, in the legs — closer to physiological one. Equal and brisk tendon reflexes from the arms and legs. Large fontanel 1.5[1]1.5 cm, not protruded. X-ray examination of the forearm bones showed a change in the structure of the epiphyses of both forearm bones that was common to syphilitic osteochondritis.

Conclusion. The article describes the complexity of diagnosis of early congenital syphilis in a child aged 2 months in the absence of a corresponding anamnesis in his mother. The need to rule out syphilitic infection in infants with motor impairments, born from unexamined mothers, has been emphasized.

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