If left untreated what could occur in the tertiary stage of syphilis?

If left untreated what could occur in the tertiary stage of syphilis?

• A. Meningitis
• B. Blindness
• C. Skin rash
• D. General paralysis and psychosis

Answer: (D)

In tertiary syphilis, the infection can invade the nervous system, producing neurosyphilis. The classic late neuropsychiatric manifestation is general paresis (general paralysis) with cognitive decline, personality changes, and psychosis, reflecting widespread brain involvement. While other late manifestations can occur—such as optic nerve damage leading to visual loss or various late signs—the combination of progressive mental decline and psychosis is the hallmark of untreated tertiary involvement. Meningitis is more typical of early neurosyphilis, and a skin rash is a sign of secondary syphilis, not the tertiary stage.

In tertiary syphilis, the infection can invade the nervous system, producing neurosyphilis. The classic late neuropsychiatric manifestation is general paresis (general paralysis) with cognitive decline, personality changes, and psychosis, reflecting widespread brain involvement. While other late manifestations can occur—such as optic nerve damage leading to visual loss or various late signs—the combination of progressive mental decline and psychosis is the hallmark of untreated tertiary involvement. Meningitis is more typical of early neurosyphilis, and a skin rash is a sign of secondary syphilis, not the tertiary stage.