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Treponemal infection coexisting with systemic lupus erythematosus
V B Dhillon1, D M Keeling, G L Ridgway
1Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, London.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
This case study highlights diagnostic challenges in patients with both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and syphilis. Antiphospholipid antibodies in SLE can interfere with syphilis testing, complicating diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Erosive arthritis can be a manifestation of SLE.
- Late latent treponemal infection is an advanced stage of syphilis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with an overlap of SLE and erosive arthritis.
- The patient was diagnosed with late latent treponemal infection.
- Antiphospholipid antibodies were present in the patient.
Findings:
- The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies complicates serological diagnosis of syphilis.
- These antibodies are implicated in both SLE and the reagin tests for syphilis.
- Potential for serological reactivation of syphilis in SLE patients exists.
Implications:
- Diagnostic difficulties may arise in patients with SLE and concurrent syphilis.
- Careful interpretation of syphilis serology is crucial in SLE patients.
- Further research into managing syphilis in autoimmune disease patients is warranted.