What is tertiary syphilis? | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

About this Video

• Video Title: What is tertiary syphilis? | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
• Channel: khanacademymedicine
• Speakers: (Name not explicitly stated in transcript)
• Duration: 00:08:59

Introduction

This video explains tertiary syphilis, the final stage of syphilis infection. It details the symptoms, which are not contagious, and the effects on various body systems, including the nervous system and cardiovascular system. The video emphasizes the seriousness of tertiary syphilis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Tertiary syphilis: This is the final stage of syphilis, occurring three years after initial infection and characterized by a unique set of symptoms. It's non-contagious.
• Gummas: Large bumps appearing unexpectedly in various locations (liver, bones, skin) due to the body's immune response to the syphilis treponeme. These can cause significant deformities.
• Neurosyphilis: Invasion of the central nervous system by syphilis. This can manifest as tabes dorsalis (decay in the back of the spinal cord), leading to loss of vibration and position sense (proprioception), or general paresis (paralysis, often in the legs), potentially accompanied by mental disorders.
• Argyll Robertson pupils: A characteristic neurosyphilis symptom where pupils accommodate but don't react to light due to syphilis attacking the relevant nerves.
• Cardio syphilis: Infection of the cardiovascular system, specifically the aorta. This can cause aortitis (aorta inflammation), leading to aortic aneurysms (widening of the aorta), which can eventually rupture, potentially causing death.