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Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Secondary syphilis mimicking inflammatory bowel disease
Pedro Vasconcelos1, João Borges-Costa, Helena Loreto
1Dermatology Service, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal. jp_vasconcelos@hotmail.com
Sexually Transmitted Infections
|May 31, 2012
Summary
A 15-year-old presented with symptoms mimicking inflammatory bowel disease. Benzyl penicillin treatment resolved both genital and bowel issues after syphilis was diagnosed, highlighting the importance of considering infections in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents with chronic gastrointestinal inflammation.
- Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can manifest with diverse clinical symptoms.
- Distinguishing between IBD and infectious etiologies is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male exhibited extensive anal inflammation, cobblestone mucosa, ulcerations, bloody stool, and weight loss.
- Clinical presentation was initially suggestive of IBD.
- Subsequent observation revealed genital lesions consistent with secondary syphilis.
Findings:
- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test confirmed syphilis.
- Treatment with benzyl penicillin led to complete resolution of both genital and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- This case underscores the potential for syphilitic infection to mimic IBD.
Implications:
- Syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with IBD-like symptoms, particularly with concurrent mucocutaneous lesions.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of syphilis can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management.
- This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach in complex presentations.
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