Secondary Syphilis With Pulmonary Involvement

Abstract

Syphilis is a multisystem infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. A 63-year-old man admitted to the hospital with chest pain and rashes on the chest wall and hands for 14 days. Thorax computed tomography revealed multiple nodular shadows in the bilateral lower lobes of the lung. Skin lesions were considered compatible with secondary syphilis. The antibody test for syphilis was positive. Screening for other associated sexually transmitted diseases (serology for HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B) was negative. A specific therapy with crystallized penicillin G 2.4 MIU was applied. The key features for secondary syphilis diagnosis were positive serologic tests for syphilis and complete recovery on thorax computed tomography after antisyphilitic treatment. Pulmonary involvement in secondary syphilis is considered a rare occurrence.