Secondary syphilis: The great imitator can't be forgotten

Abstract

Syphilis is an infection caused by Treponema pallidum, mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Since 2001, primary and secondary syphilis rates started to rise, with an epidemic resurgence. The authors describe an exuberant case of secondary syphilis, presenting with annular and lichen planus-like lesions, as well as one mucocutaneous lesion. Physicians must be aware of syphilis in daily practice, since the vast spectrum of its cutaneous manifestations is rising worldwide.

Syphilis: A Tricky Disease that may Pose Some Diagnostic Challenges - A Case Report

“…The remaining third of the untreated cases will develop the manifestations of the tertiary stage of the disease, among them, most critically, are cardiovascular syphilis or neurosyphilis. At least 25 percent of these patients will die from complications of the disease [1,10]. As stated in Introduction section, syphilis can still claim lives.…”

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation and megaloblastic anemia as manifestations of gastric syphilis

“…Untreated secondary syphilis can progress with a series of cutaneous and potentially severe systemic manifestations. Skin lesions can present during periods of recurrence 1 . Syphilitic alopecia and nail changes evolve with the chronicity of the disease, presenting a diagnostic challenge 2 …”

“…The polymorphism of clinical manifestations of syphilis is well known; as the incidence of syphilis has risen worldwide, it has propelled an increase in the frequency of atypical manifestations 1 …”

Arthropod bite-like eruption as rare presentation of secondary syphilis in an HIV-infected patient

“…[ 1 ] Known as “the great imitator,” the clinical presentation of secondary syphilis is variable, and its morphology may be atypical in patients co-infected with HIV. [ 2 3 ] To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an arthropod bite-like eruption due to secondary syphilis in an HIV-infected patient.…”