Classical syphilitic lesions from the museum

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Pathology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Syphilis is a complex venereal disease with a protracted, multi-stage progression.
• Increasing diagnoses necessitate a review of its diverse clinical presentations.
• The Faculty of Medicine at The University of Adelaide's Pathology Museum archives provide historical case data.

Observation:

• Three cases with distinct cardiovascular and neurological sequelae of untreated syphilis were identified.
• Case 1: Aortic aneurysm (ascending and descending aorta) in an 80-year-old male.
• Case 2: Chronic syphilitic meningoencephalitis with cerebral atrophy in a 56-year-old male.
• Case 3: Tabes dorsalis in a 77-year-old male.

Findings:

• The cases demonstrate classical late-stage manifestations of syphilis.
• Cardiovascular syphilis presented as aortic aneurysms.
• Neurosyphilis manifested as meningoencephalitis and tabes dorsalis.

Implications:

• Rising syphilis incidence, driven by various factors, requires heightened clinical suspicion.
• Recognition of classical syphilitic findings is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Understanding these manifestations is vital for potential medicolegal evaluations.