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Gutierrez-Lanz E, Smith LB, Perry AM. Syphilis in Hematopathology Practice: A Diagnostic Challenge. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2024; 148:633-641. [PMID: 37535664 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0078-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Syphilis, a reemerging disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, is becoming more frequent in surgical pathology and hematopathology practices. Hematopathologists typically receive lymph node biopsies from patients with syphilis who have localized or diffuse lymphadenopathy. Occasionally, syphilis infection in the aerodigestive tract can show a prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and mimic lymphoma. Besides the varying and occasional atypical morphology, the fact that clinical suspicion tends to be low or absent when histologic evaluation is requested adds to the importance of making this diagnosis. OBJECTIVE.— To summarize histologic features of syphilitic lymphadenitis and syphilis lesions in the aerodigestive tract, and to review differential diagnosis and potential diagnostic pitfalls. DATA SOURCES.— Literature review via PubMed search. CONCLUSIONS.— Characteristic histologic findings in syphilitic lymphadenitis include thickened capsule with plasma cell-rich inflammatory infiltrate, reactive follicular and paracortical hyperplasia with prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, and vasculitis. Lymph nodes, however, can show a number of other nonspecific histologic features, which frequently makes the diagnosis quite challenging. In the aerodigestive tract, syphilis is characterized by plasma cell-rich infiltrates. Immunohistochemistry for T pallidum is the preferred method for detecting spirochetes; however, this immunohistochemical stain shows cross-reactivity with other treponemal and commensal spirochetes. Differential diagnosis of syphilis in lymph nodes and the aerodigestive tract is broad and includes reactive, infectious, and neoplastic entities. Pathologists should be aware of the histologic features of syphilis and keep this challenging entity in the differential diagnosis.
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Peine B, Ved KJ, Fleming T, Sun Y, Honaker MD. Syphilitic proctitis presenting as locally advanced rectal cancer: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2023; 107:108358. [PMID: 37267792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Syphilis is an infectious disease that is uncommonly encountered in surgical patients. We present a case of severe syphilitic proctitis leading to large bowel obstruction with imaging findings mimicking locally advanced rectal cancer. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 38-year-old man who had sex with men presented to the emergency department with a 2 week history of obstipation. The patient's medical history was significant for poorly controlled HIV. Imaging demonstrated a large mass in the rectum and the patient was admitted to the colorectal surgery service for management of presumed rectal cancer. Sigmoidoscopy demonstrated a rectal stricture and biopsies showed severe proctitis without evidence for malignancy. Given the patient's history and discordant clinical findings an infectious workup was pursued. The patient tested positive for syphilis and was diagnosed with syphilitic proctitis. He underwent treatment with penicillin and although he experienced a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, his bowel obstruction completely resolved. Final pathology on the rectal biopsies demonstrated positive Warthin-Starry and spirochete immunohistochemical stain. DISCUSSION This case illustrates key aspects in the care of a patient with syphilitic proctitis mimicking an obstructing rectal cancer, including the need for high clinical suspicion, thorough evaluation including sexual and sexually transmitted disease history, multidisciplinary communication, and management of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. CONCLUSION Severe proctitis leading to large bowel obstruction is a possible presentation of syphilis, and a high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary to be able to accurately identify the cause. An increased awareness of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction following treatment of syphilis is critical to provide appropriate care in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Peine
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Kieran J Ved
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Tyler Fleming
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Pathology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Michael D Honaker
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America.
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Arévalo F, Rayme S, Zurita F, Ramírez R, Franco D, Montes P, Fustamante J, Monge E. Immunohistochemical detection of chlamydia trachomatis in sexually transmitted infectious proctitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:171. [PMID: 35395750 PMCID: PMC8991980 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02233-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since 2003, a progressive increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI), presented as proctitis, has been described in homosexual men. In 2013 Arnold et al. described microscopic features that enable pathologists to formulate a histological diagnosis of STI related proctitis. The aim of this study is to identify the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis by immunohistochemistry in a group of patients with male to male sexual activity and pathology compatible with STI proctitis. Methods Cross-sectional study. The study included 54 patients with risky sexual activity and histopathology compatible with STI-proctitis according to Arnold´s recommendations. The Chlamydia trachomatis identification was carried out retrospectively on paraffin blocks using mouse monoclonal antibodies from Santa Cruz biotechnology.
Results all patients were young men with male to male sexual activity, 69% were positive for HIV. The most common endoscopic presentation was rectal ulcer (61%). Basal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and mild crypt distortion were the most common histological findings. The immunohistochemical study identified positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis in 40% (18 of 45 tested) of STI proctitis cases. Discussion The epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics of the patients studied are similar to those previously reported. In accordance with Arnold et al., the most common histological findings were (a) mild distortion of the crypts; (b) dense and basal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and (c) scarcity of eosinophils. The positivity of chlamydia trachomatis in immunohistochemistry was lower than others studies that used PCR for this purpose. We did not find similar published studies to compare our results. Conclusions In summary, 54 cases of patients with STI related proctitis are presented, all of them with distinctive histological characteristics and third of the cases tested positive by IHC for Chlamydia trachomatis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-022-02233-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Arévalo
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru. .,Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
| | - Soledad Rayme
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Fiorella Zurita
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Rocio Ramírez
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru
| | | | - Pedro Montes
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru
| | - Jaime Fustamante
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru.,Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Eduardo Monge
- Hospital Nacional Daniel A Carrión, Callao, Bellavista, Peru.,Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.,Universidad Particular Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Costales-Cantrell JK, Dong EY, Wu BU, Nomura JH. Syphilitic Proctitis Presenting as a Rectal Mass: a Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1098-1101. [PMID: 33469766 PMCID: PMC8042098 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Costales-Cantrell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 101 City Drive South, City Tower Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Y Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bechien U Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jim H Nomura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Patil RV, Stephenson I, Richards CJ, Griffin Y. Rectal cancer mimic: a rare case of syphilitic proctitis. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/12/e235522. [PMID: 33370929 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilitic proctitis is a rare presentation of sexually transmitted infection that poses a diagnostic challenge as it mimics rectal cancer clinically, radiologically and endoscopically. We report a case of a 66-year-old male patient with a background of HIV infection presenting with obstructive bowel symptoms and initial diagnosis of rectal cancer on CT. Sigmoidoscopy and histopathology were non-diagnostic. A diagnosis of secondary syphilis was suspected after obtaining sexual history and diagnostic serology, avoiding planned surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iain Stephenson
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Cathy J Richards
- Pathology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Yvette Griffin
- Radiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Abstract
The incidence of syphilis is increasing. Syphilitic proctitis involving the rectal mucosa often presents with pain on defecation, rectal bleeding, or ulceration. We present a case of asymptomatic syphilitic proctitis diagnosed upon a routine screening colonoscopy.
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Tian M, Chang C, Wu P, Chen M. Diagnosis of syphilitic proctitis mimicking ulcerative colitis—A case report. ADVANCES IN DIGESTIVE MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/aid2.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming‐Hung Tian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineMacKay Memorial Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chen‐Wang Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineMacKay Memorial Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of NursingMacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management Taipei Taiwan
- Department of MedicineMacKay Medical College New Taipei City Taiwan
| | - Pao‐Shu Wu
- Department of PathologyMacKay Memorial Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - Ming‐Jen Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineMacKay Memorial Hospital Taipei Taiwan
- Department of NursingMacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management Taipei Taiwan
- Department of MedicineMacKay Medical College New Taipei City Taiwan
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Abstract
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Treponema pallidum, is increasing in prevalence in the United States. It has been our experience that primary and secondary syphilis of the aerodigestive tract can afflict a large age spectrum with varied clinical and histopathologic findings, which can lead to diagnostic problems and frequent misdiagnosis. In this study, we describe the histopathologic patterns of syphilis of the aerodigestive tract to expand awareness of its varied appearance. We identify 3 patterns of inflammatory response to syphilis: plasma cell-rich, lymphohistiocytic, and lymphoma-like. We also report the presence of immunoglobulin G4-predominant plasma cells in the inflammatory response as a potential mimicker of immunoglobulin G4-related disease. Lastly, we found that use of T. pallidum immunohistochemical stain is more reliable than Steiner silver stain at the identification of spirochetes. Our study highlights that despite convention, plasma cells are not always abundant in syphilis. Awareness of the histopathologic range of syphilis in the aerodigestive tract by the surgical pathologist can lead to the correct diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
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López Álvarez M, Souto Ruzo J, Guerrero Montañés A. Rectal syphilitic ulcer. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS 2019; 110:597. [PMID: 30032631 DOI: 10.17235/reed.2018.5592/2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Shyphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Treponema Pallidum bacteria. Syphilis is most commonly spread through sexual activity, by direct contact with the inoculation point of the spirochete. It has been demonstrated that the desease is more prevalent in men who have sex with men. In primary syphilis, the chancre appears 2-3 weeks after the initial exposure mostly in genitals, but also in oral cavity, pharynx or anus. Secondary syphilis is a systemic disease. It occurs weeks or months later in about 25% of people with primary syphilis that has not been treated. Although many people who present with secondary syphilis do not report previosly having had the classic chancre of primary syphilis.
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Teng KT, Lee YJ, Chang CC. An Easily Overlooked Cause of Mucus and Bloody Material Passage During Defecation in a 47-Year-Old Man. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:e3-e4. [PMID: 29738751 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Tse Teng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuarn-Jang Lee
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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You JH, Cho KW, Cha YJ, Park HJ. [A Case of Rectal Syphilis Incidentally Found at Regular Medical Check-up]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2017; 68:218-220. [PMID: 27780947 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2016.68.4.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis is a rare disease in the rectum. It is difficult to diagnose because the characteristics of the rectal syphilis rectal lesion are highly varied. The endoscopic findings of rectal syphilis are proctitis, ulcers, and masses. If rectal syphilis is suspected to be the cause for rectal lesions, it is important for physicians to consider the sexual history and sexual orientation of the patient. We report a case of incidental rectal syphilis in a 41-year-old man diagnosed during a regular medical check-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hong You
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Won Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Jin Cha
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Honaker M, Paton BL, Kamionek M, Schiffern L. Spirochetosis resulting in fulminant colitis. Surgery 2015; 158:1738-9. [PMID: 26395504 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Honaker
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC.
| | | | - Michal Kamionek
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
| | - Lynn Schiffern
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
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13
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The Great Pretender: Rectal Syphilis Mimic a Cancer. Case Rep Surg 2015; 2015:434198. [PMID: 26451271 PMCID: PMC4586962 DOI: 10.1155/2015/434198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rectal syphilis is a rare expression of the widely recognised sexual transmitted disease, also known as the great imitator for its peculiarity of being confused with mild anorectal diseases because of its vague symptoms or believed rectal malignancy, with the concrete risk of overtreatment. We present the case of a male patient with primary rectal syphilis, firstly diagnosed as rectal cancer; the medical, radiological, and endoscopic features are discussed below.
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Bender Ignacio RA, Koch LL, Dhanireddy S, Charmie Godornes B, Lukehart SA, Marrazzo JM. Syphilis? An Unusual Cause of Surgical Emergency in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Man. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015; 2:ofv094. [PMID: 26213693 PMCID: PMC4512143 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a human immunodeficiency virus-infected man undergoing urgent anorectal surgery, with multi-centimeter fungating masses discovered inside the anus. Initial pathology was inconclusive. After the patient developed a disseminated rash postoperatively determined to be secondary syphilis, the anorectal pathology was reviewed and Treponema pallidum DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from the mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Bender Ignacio
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
| | | | - Shireesha Dhanireddy
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
| | - B. Charmie Godornes
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
| | - Sheila A. Lukehart
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jeanne M. Marrazzo
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
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Ali MA, Arnold CA, Singhi AD, Voltaggio L. Clues to uncommon and easily overlooked infectious diagnoses affecting the GI tract and distinction from their clinicopathologic mimics. Gastrointest Endosc 2014; 80:689-706. [PMID: 25070906 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2014.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Aamir Ali
- Department of Gastroenterology, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Aatur D Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lysandra Voltaggio
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Voltaggio L, Montgomery EA, Ali MA, Singhi AD, Arnold CA. Sex, lies, and gastrointestinal tract biopsies: a review of selected sexually transmitted proctocolitides. Adv Anat Pathol 2014; 21:83-93. [PMID: 24508691 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There are many insults that result in gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Infections can be particularly challenging because (1) only a limited number of organisms provoke a specific endoscopic and/or histologic appearance; and (2) although some organisms may be present on biopsies, the findings may be so subtle or organisms so few that they are easily missed if the reviewer is not performing a specific search for the offender. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are rarely a consideration at the time of GI biopsy examination and clinicians rarely inquire about sexual behavior at the time of initial patient interview. Although establishing a definitive STI diagnosis is not possible on histology alone, these infections are associated with inflammatory patterns that may help raise this diagnostic possibility. Becoming familiar with these patterns is necessary as worldwide outbreaks of these infections are being reported. This review aims to provide the pathologist with histologic clues associated with the most frequently encountered bacterial pathogens in the setting of STI proctitis, namely, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum.
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Kobayashi KI, Yanagisawa N, Suganuma A, Imamura A, Ajisawa A. [Syphilis proctitis complicated with HIV infection: a case report]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 86:415-8. [PMID: 22991849 DOI: 10.11150/kansenshogakuzasshi.86.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We report on a 26-year-old Japanese man who was referred to our hospital because of anal pain and hematochezia. On admission, in addition to his gastrointestinal symptoms, a generalized maculopapular rash was observed, involving the palms of his hands and soles of his feet. His history and physical examination were compatible with syphilis, confirmed by a high syphilis titer on blood examination. Further tests revealed the presence of HIV infection, with a CD4 cell count of 227/microL. Colonoscopy demonstrated a deep ulcer in the lower rectum, although biopsy specimens did not reveal any syphilis spirochetes, or any other specific microorganisms. Intravenous penicillin G was initiated, resulting in a dramatic improvement of the ulcers along with the skin lesions confirming the diagnosis of syphilis proctitis. A rapid plasma reagin titer test performed 3 months after treatment demonstrated significant decrease, indicating successful treatment.
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