Histologic Features of Syphilitic Gastritis: A Rare but Resurging Imitator of Common Diseases

The range of histopathologic features of gastric syphilis is not well described. Here we describe the clinicopathologic findings of eight patients with syphilitic gastritis.

A search of our Pathology Data System (2003-2022) and multiple other institutions identified eight patients with syphilitic gastritis. Clinical information, pathology reports, and available slides were reviewed.

Lesions predominated in middle-aged adults (mean age, 47.2 years; range, 23-61 years) with a propensity for men (n = 7). Three patients had a documented history of human immunodeficiency virus. Clinical presentations included weight loss, abdominal pain, hematochezia, fever, dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, hematemesis, anemia, and early satiety. Endoscopic findings included ulcerations, erosions, abnormal mucosa, and nodularity. All specimens shared an active chronic gastritis pattern with intense lymphohistiocytic infiltrates, variable plasma cells, and gland loss. Prominent lymphoid aggregates were seen in four specimens. The diagnosis was confirmed either by immunostain for Treponema pallidum (n = 7) or by direct immunofluorescence staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (n = 1). All patients with available follow-up data showed resolution of symptoms after antibiotic therapy (n = 4).

Recognition of the histologic pattern of syphilitic gastritis facilitates timely treatment, prevents further transmission, and avoids unnecessarily aggressive treatment.