Malignant syphilis in an immunocompetent female patient

An Exuberant Case of Ulceronodular-Rupioid (Malignant) Syphilis in an HIV Patient: A Proposal for New Diagnostic Criteria

We report the case of a 28-year-old male with uncontrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who presented with extensive ulcerated lesions with dark lamellated crusting on his face, torso, and limbs. The patient had a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer of 1:512, indicative of syphilis. A skin biopsy revealed granulomata surrounded by lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells, with spirochetes visible on immunohistochemical staining. The patient's rash resolved with hyperpigmented scarring after penicillin and doxycycline treatment. This severe form of secondary syphilis has been termed malignant syphilis, lues maligna, ulceronodular syphilis, or rupioid syphilis. We propose a single descriptive name for this entity, ulceronodular-rupioid syphilis. In 1969, Fisher proposed criteria for malignant syphilis based on lesion appearance, histopathologic findings, high RPR values, and rapid response to treatment. We found that the Fisher criteria were imprecise with respect to specific histopathologic findings, the quantitation of RPR values, and what constitutes rapid response to treatment. Thus, we examined an additional 74 cases from the literature and propose new diagnostic criteria based on rash appearance, histopathologic characteristics, non-treponemal and treponemal test positivity, and response to therapy. We also found that uncontrolled viremia, and not a low CD4 count, is a major risk factor for ulceronodular-rupioid syphilis in HIV patients.

Malignant syphilis as the presenting complaint of advanced HIV

Malignant syphilis is an infrequent secondary manifestation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with polymorphous and disseminated skin lesions being related to severe immunosuppression. Lesions have intense inflammatory circinate, ulcer-crusted and nodular skin lesions of diffuse distribution throughout the body, that can be confused with vasculitis or cutaneous lymphomas. We report a patient recently diagnosed with HIV infection in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome stage with malignant syphilis as the debut of HIV.

Malignant syphilis: a new and revised definition

Malignant syphilis is a rare, severe variant of secondary syphilis that primarily affects immunocompromised patients. Historically, the clinical presentation included a prodrome of constitutional symptoms followed by the development of characteristic skin lesions. The definition of malignant syphilis has not been updated since it was first described as only a cutaneous manifestation. In recent years, syphilis has reemerged as a major public health issue, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM) and patients with HIV. With increasing rates of syphilis in the HIV-positive population, the systemic manifestations of malignant syphilis have become more apparent. We propose a revised definition and elucidate why the term malignant syphilis should be expanded to include systemic manifestations, stressing musculoskeletal, central nervous system, ocular, ear, cardiovascular, rectal, liver, lung, and renal involvement. This updated definition is dramatically expanded to reflect its systemic manifestations. Recognition of these manifestations may prevent devastating long-term effects.

Malignant Syphilis: A Rare Case of Early Secondary Syphilis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Early malignant syphilis is an uncommon form of secondary syphilis and characterized by pleomorphic multiple round-to-oval papules, some with necrosis, and associated with systemic signs and symptoms. Usually seen in immunosuppressed patients, mainly those infected with HIV, it can also be observed in immunocompetent patients. We report a case in a young healthy woman with the characteristic features of the disease and with favourable skin lesion evolution after appropriate treatment with penicillin.

LEARNING POINTS

Skin lesions can be caused by numerous systemic diseases.Syphilis is the 'great mimicker' and should always be considered as a diagnosis in those with skin lesions.

Malignant syphilis in an immunocompromised female: A case report from Northeast India

Malignant syphilis (lues maligna) is a rare form of secondary syphilis, first described by Bazin in 1859, frequently associated with HIV infection. The resurgence of syphilis in the recent times has been attributed to rise in HIV infection. Malignant syphilis is characterized by the presence of pleomorphic multiple round-to-oval papules, papulopustules, or nodules with ulceration, without central clearing, and occasionally exhibit a lamellate brown to black rupioid crust with prodromal symptoms. We herein report a case of early malignant syphilis in a young immunocompromised patient who was HIV positive and noncompliant to antiretroviral therapy, from Northeast India. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is rising at an alarming rate in this part of the country which has thus led to an increase in the number of other sexually transmitted infections.

Malignant syphilis in a patient with acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Malignant syphilis is an uncommon variant of syphilis, most often (but not always) found in immunosuppressed individuals. This report describes the case of a 57-year-old man, infected with the acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with a generalized picture of erythematous-squamous papules that rapidly progressed to painful and ulcerated plaques and nodules, some covered with a black rupioid crust. The analytical study performed revealed positive VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) and RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin). The skin biopsy was nonspecific; however, the immunohistochemical analysis disclosed the presence of spirochetes. The patient was then treated with benzathine penicillin G 2.4 MU once a week IM for three weeks, with progressive resolution of the lesions. Considering its rarity, this atypical form of syphilis that needs to be known to better recognize its clinical presentation and provide more prompt treatment to patients.

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

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.

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

Malignant syphilis (MS) is a rare manifestation of secondary syphilis which mainly occurs in immunocompromised individuals such as those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, recent reports have described MS in immunocompetent individuals. To describe the characteristics of individuals with MS and associated risk factors, a review of case reports published from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Out of 45 published case reports, 33 cases (73%) occurred in HIV-positive individuals with majority having CD4 counts <500 cells/mm3. Of the 12 cases (27%) in HIV-negative individuals, half had comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, drug abuse, psoriasis, and hepatitis. The most frequent manifestation of MS was ulceronodular cutaneous lesions with central adherent crust, which affected the face, trunk, and limbs. Given the increasing number of MS regardless of the immune status, dermatologists and general practitioners should be vigilant to allow early diagnosis and treatment, hence reducing their morbidity.

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

Malignant syphilis (MS) is a rare manifestation of secondary syphilis which mainly occurs in immunocompromised individuals such as those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, recent reports have described MS in immunocompetent individuals. To describe the characteristics of individuals with MS and associated risk factors, a review of case reports published from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Out of 45 published case reports, 33 cases (73%) occurred in HIV-positive individuals with majority having CD4 counts < 500 cells/mm3. Of the 12 cases (27%) in HIV-negative individuals, half had comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, drug abuse, psoriasis, and hepatitis. The most frequent manifestation of MS was ulceronodular cutaneous lesions with central adherent crust, which affected the face, trunk, and limbs. Given the increasing number of MS regardless of the immune status, dermatologists and general practitioners should be vigilant to allow early diagnosis and treatment, hence reducing their morbidity.

Malignant syphilis accompanied with neurosyphilis in a malnourished patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum). Malignant syphilis is a rare presentation of secondary syphilis. Here, we present a case diagnosed with malignant syphilis accompanied with neurosyphilis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 56-year-old man present with a 2-mo history of spreading ulcerous and necrotic papules and nodules covered with thick crusts over the face, trunk, extremities, and genitalia. The patient was diagnosed with malignant syphilis accompanied by neurosyphilis based on the characteristic morphology of the lesions, positive serological and cerebrospinal fluid tests for syphilis, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathology, along with resolution of the lesions following the institution of penicillin therapy. The lesions and neurological condition successfully resolved after a course of treatment with penicillin.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that neurosyphilis should be considered whenever people have psychiatric symptoms without cutaneous lesions or human immunodeficiency virus.

Sexually acquired syphilis: Historical aspects, microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations

Syphilis is caused by infection with the spirochetal bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. It was first recognized in the late 15th century. Since 2000, the incidence of sexually acquired syphilis has increased substantially in the developed world, with men who have sex with men and persons living with HIV infection disproportionately affected. Clinical manifestations of syphilis are protean and often include mucocutaneous manifestations. The first article in this continuing medical education series reviews historical aspects, microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of sexually acquired syphilis.

Erythema multiforme triggered by Treponema pallidum infection in an HIV-infected patient

We are currently facing a worldwide epidemic of syphilis. Clinical manifestations that are rarely seen have been encountered, leading the dermatologist to confront unusual clinical conditions in daily practice. Erythema multiforme triggered by syphilis is very rare and is also seldom reported in the literature. We report a case of secondary syphilis in an HIV-positive patient, whose clinical, pathologic and serologic features were consistent with the diagnosis of erythema multiforme triggered by syphilis.

Early malignant syphilis

Early malignant syphilis is a rare and severe variant of secondary syphilis. It is clinically characterized by lesions, which can suppurate and be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever, asthenia, myalgia, and torpor state. We report a diabetic patient with characteristic features of the disease showing favorable evolution of the lesions after appropriate treatment.