Case 39-2005: A 63-Year-Old Woman with a Positive Serologic Test for Syphilis and Persistent Eosinophilia

A 63-year-old woman from Cameroon was referred to infectious-disease specialists because of a positive serologic test for syphilis and persistent peripheral-blood eosinophilia. In addition, a routine chest radiograph had shown a dilated aorta with calcification. Stool examination disclosed parasitic infections, which were treated, but eosinophilia persisted. A diagnostic test was performed. A 63-year-old woman from Cameroon had a positive serologic test for syphilis and persistent peripheral-blood eosinophilia. Stool examination disclosed parasitic infections, which were treated, but eosinophilia persisted. Presentation of Case Dr. Jennifer Phillips (Internal Medicine): A 63-year-old woman was seen by infectious-disease specialists at this hospital because of a positive serologic test for syphilis and persistent peripheral-blood eosinophilia. The patient was a native of Cameroon who had immigrated to the United States 11 months before these consultations. Ten days after she arrived in the United States, she was seen in the emergency department of this hospital because of headache and chest and abdominal pain. The blood pressure was 177/94 mm Hg; a systolic murmur, grade 3 of 6, was heard at the right upper sternal border. An . . .