Early congenital syphilis with isolated bone involvement: a case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Neonatology

Background:

• Congenital syphilis remains a significant global health concern, necessitating informed management strategies.
• Early detection and prompt treatment are vital to avert severe, potentially fatal, complications in newborns.
• This report focuses on a rare presentation of congenital syphilis.

Observation:

• A newborn presented with an unusual, isolated non-fluctuant mass around the left calf.
• The infant exhibited no concurrent hepatic, cutaneous, or lymph node involvement.
• This presentation is notable for its lack of typical systemic manifestations.

Findings:

• The case involved isolated bone abnormalities, specifically periostitis and lytic bone lesions.
• Congenital syphilis was confirmed despite the absence of common systemic signs.
• This underscores the variability in clinical manifestations of congenital syphilis.

Implications:

• Neonates presenting with bone fractures, lytic lesions, or periostitis should be evaluated for congenital syphilis.
• This case expands the understanding of congenital syphilis's diverse clinical spectrum.
• Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for affected infants.