Malignant Syphilis: A Systematic Review of the Case Reports Published in 2014-2018

Wibisono, Olivia; Idrus, Idrianti; Djawad, Khairuddin

doi:10.1016/j.adengl.2021.05.014

Cited by 22 publications

(90 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Moreover, she had a mental illness (i.e., attempted suicide). All these predisposing factors could explain the development of a malignant variant of secondary syphilis, as reported in the literature [ 3 , 7 ]. These findings indicate the importance of obtaining a thorough history of psychoactive substance abuse and mental health in syphilis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…MS is a very rare disease and only 45 cases have been reported in the literature in the last 5 years [ 7 ]. The occurrence of MS rose from 1980 to 2018 [ 7 ]. After this period, the incidence plateaued.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although there are some reports of MS in immunocompetent patients [ 16 ], other occult immune deficiencies should be questioned [ 7 ]. Our patient reported chronic marijuana abuse and was malnourished, which are known to cause immune suppression [ 17 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Malignant Syphilis in a Female Patient: A Case Report and Mini-Review

et al. 2022

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Malignant syphilis (MS) is a rare form of secondary syphilis with grotesque skin lesions, systemic manifestation and life-threatening complications. This article presents a case of MS in an immunocompetent 41-year-old female, who initially manifested with a generalized nonpruritic erythematous rash and systemic symptoms. She was mistreated for generalized impetigo and hepatitis attributed to chronic alcoholism. After partial recovery and a 3-month latent period, she developed infiltrated plaques with crusts on the trunk, head and neck; pharyngitis and laryngeal lesions; generalized lymphadenopathy and nonspecific systemic symptoms. Serologic tests confirmed syphilis, and cerebrospinal fluid analyses indicated the presence of anti-treponemal antibodies. Urine drug screening was positive for cannabinoids. The polymerase chain reaction from skin biopsy samples identified T. pallidum, confirmed with Warthin–Starry staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was uncharacteristic. Tertiary syphilis, neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis and otosyphilis were excluded. However, the patient was treated for neurosyphilis with benzylpenicillin (18 million IU intravenously daily, 14 days) and corticosteroids. No Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction occurred. Ten months after treatment, residual scars were visible, and 1 year later, she attempted suicide. Since MS can resemble other diseases, it should be suspected in a mentally ill patient with chronic drug abuse, systemic nonspecific manifestations and dermatological abnormalities, including the head and neck region.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Malignant Syphilis in a Female Patient: A Case Report and Mini-Review

et al. 2022

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“…The cutaneous manifestations include erythematous papules, pustules, nodules, and ulcerations with thin rupioid crusts. 1 Mucosal surfaces, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen may also be involved. The entity is common in individuals with HIV infection and has also been associated with chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, and immunosuppressive drug use.…”

Section: E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R Lues Maligna In An Immunoc...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lues Maligna in an immunocompetent male: A case report

Demirbaş

Aktürk

Demirsoy

et al. 2022

J of Cosmetic Dermatology

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“…The most frequently described pattern reflects a lymphoplasmacytic dermal infiltrate; a granulomatous infiltrate can also be observed. 3 Immunohistochemistry for T pallidum is up to 80 percent sensitive in secondary syphilis.…”

Section: Bmentioning

confidence: 99%