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[Syphilitic arthro-osteitis]
J Blanch1, S Faus, J L Gimeno-Bayón
1Servicios de Reumatología, Hospital del Mar, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma, Barcelona.
Medicina Clinica
|April 7, 1990
Summary
Secondary syphilis can cause rare bone and joint inflammation, including sternoclavicular arthroosteitis. Spirochetes were found in biopsies, and treatment led to full recovery, highlighting syphilis as a differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Secondary syphilis is a systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
- Osteoarticular manifestations are uncommon during secondary syphilis.
- Sexual promiscuity is a risk factor for syphilis acquisition.
Observation:
- A patient presented with arthroosteitis of the clavicula and sternoclavicular joint, and cranial osteitis.
- The patient had a history of sexual promiscuity.
- Spirochetes were identified in osteoarticular biopsy material.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment with benzathine penicillin for three weeks.
- Complete clinical recovery was achieved.
- This case highlights the uncommon osteoarticular involvement and the exceptional finding of spirochetes in biopsy during secondary syphilis.
Implications:
- Syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute arthritis or osteitis.
- Sternoclavicular joint involvement and a history of sexual promiscuity increase suspicion for syphilis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in syphilitic osteoarticular disease.