Gastric Syphilis and Membranous Glomerulonephritis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Gastroenterology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a chronic systemic infection.
• Gastric syphilis (GS) and nephrotic syndrome are rare but documented complications.
• The simultaneous occurrence of GS and nephrotic syndrome is exceptionally uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of co-existing gastric syphilis and nephrotic syndrome.
• To highlight the importance of clinical suspicion for these rare manifestations.
• To emphasize thorough investigation and timely treatment.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 34-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis confirmed by gastroscopy, kidney biopsy, and clinical findings.
• Treatment with penicillin G benzathine.

Main Results:

• Successful diagnosis and treatment of a patient with concurrent gastric syphilis and syphilis-associated membranous glomerulonephritis.
• The patient presented with epigastric pain.
• Penicillin G benzathine therapy proved effective.

Conclusions:

• Co-occurrence of gastric syphilis and nephrotic syndrome is rare and presents nonspecifically.
• Clinical vigilance, comprehensive investigation (including endoscopy and biopsy), and prompt therapy are crucial.
• This case aims to increase clinician awareness of these rare syphilitic complications for earlier diagnosis and management.