tertiary syphilis

tertiary syphilis   n.  The final stage of syphilis, following a latent period that may last years, characterized by spread of the disease to many organs and tissues, including the skin, bones, joints, heart, brain, and spinal cord.

Main Entry: tertiary syphilis
Function: noun
: the third stage of syphilis that develops after the disappearance of the secondary symptoms and is marked by ulcers in andgummas under the skin and commonly by involvement of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems

tertiary syphilis n.
The final stage of syphilis, marked by gumma formation, cellular infiltration, and cardiovascular and central nervous system lesions.

tertiary syphilis

psychosis caused by widespread destruction of brain tissue occurring in some cases of late syphilis. Mental changes include gradual deterioration of personality, impaired concentration and judgment, delusions, loss of memory, disorientation, and apathy or violent rages. Convulsions are not uncommon, and while temporary remissions sometimes occur, untreated paresis is eventually fatal.

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