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Syphilitic proctitis mimicking rectal cancer: A case report
Wen-Tao Zhao1, Jing Liu, Yu-Ying Li
1Wen-Tao Zhao, Yu-Ying Li, Department of colorectal surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China.
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology
|May 25, 2011
Summary
Syphilitic proctitis, a rare rectal disease, often mimics rectal tumors, complicating diagnosis. Early serological testing is crucial for accurate identification and effective, non-surgical treatment with penicillin.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Proctology
Background:
- Syphilitic proctitis is a rare condition often presenting with non-specific symptoms.
- Clinical presentation can mimic rectal neoplasms, leading to diagnostic challenges and potential misdiagnosis.
- Lack of pathognomonic signs contributes to delayed or inappropriate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of syphilitic proctitis mimicking a rectal tumor.
- To highlight the importance of serological tests in diagnosing this rare condition.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in managing syphilitic proctitis.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 51-year-old male patient.
- Clinical examination revealing a rectal mass.
- Serological testing including toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test.
- Response to treatment with penicillin G benzathine.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a rectal mass simulating a tumor.
- Positive results from TRUST and TPPA tests prompted reevaluation for syphilitic proctitis.
- Successful treatment with penicillin G benzathine resolved the condition, avoiding surgery.
Conclusions:
- Syphilitic proctitis can present as a rectal mass, posing a diagnostic challenge.
- Serological tests are vital for suspecting and confirming syphilitic proctitis.
- Penicillin G benzathine is an effective treatment, obviating the need for surgical intervention.
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