Cholestatic hepatitis with concomitant nephrotic syndrome due to late syphilis in an immunocompetent 32-year-old man. Issue 2 (5th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kasper, Philipp; Martin, Anna; Nierhoff, Dirk; Goeser, Tobias
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 13:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-05
• Subjects: renal system -- gastroenterology -- infection (gastroenterology) -- hepatitis other; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232615
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : A 32-year-old man was referred to our clinic for evaluation of abnormal liver function tests and concurrent proteinuria. Physical examination revealed a maculopapular rash, involving the trunk and palms, and multiple 'moth-eaten' patches of alopecia. After a prolonged diagnostic work-up a hepatitis with concomitant nephrotic syndrome due to secondary syphilis was diagnosed. Treatment with benzylpenicillin led to complete clinical recovery. Syphilis is a re-emerging infectious disease with heterogeneous clinical presentation that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inexplicable simultaneous liver and kidney dysfunction in patients with high-risk sexual behaviour. Syphilis is a re-emerging infectious disease with heterogeneous clinical presentation that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inexplicable simultaneous liver and kidney dysfunction in patients with high-risk sexual behaviour.