Nodular secondary syphilis with associated granulomatous inflammation: case report and literature review. (13th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rysgaard, Carolyn; Alexander, Erik; Swick, Brian L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous pathology. Volume 41:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 379
• Publication Date: 2014-02-13
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/cup.12293
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-6987

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="cup12293-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p id="cup12293-para-0001">A 62‐year‐old male presented with a 10‐day history of a diffuse, erythematous papular rash sparing the palms and soles. Histopathologic examination of a skin lesion showed loose non‐caseating granulomas in a lymphoplasmacytic background. Scattered spirochetes were identified by <italic>Treponema pallidum</italic> immunohistochemistry, in keeping with a diagnosis of secondary syphilis. Granulomatous inflammation in secondary syphilis is uncommon. A review of the literature reveals that the majority of prior reported cases of granulomatous secondary syphilis share similar characteristics to this case; namely, a papular or nodular clinical presentation, sparing of the palms and soles, and collections of epithelioid histiocytes with associated lymphocytes and variable numbers of plasma cells.</p> </abstract>