When secondary syphilis is reliably recognizable

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Histopathology

Background:

• Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a complex infection with varied presentations.
• Secondary syphilis can manifest as condyloma lata, posing diagnostic challenges due to its mimicry.
• Histopathologic identification of condyloma lata is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the characteristic histopathologic features of condyloma lata.
• To highlight the diagnostic value of these features on routine hematoxylin and eosin staining.
• To aid pathologists in differentiating condyloma lata from other conditions, including malignancy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 histopathologic cases diagnosed as condyloma lata.
• Evaluation of characteristic findings on hematoxylin and eosin stained slides.
• Correlation of histopathologic features with clinical context when available.

Main Results:

• Condyloma lata consistently showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia.
• A dense or lichenoid lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate was a common finding.
• Prominent neutrophilic exocytosis, epithelial erosion with neutrophils, and spongiotic vesicles were observed.

Conclusions:

• Condyloma lata exhibits a reproducible and diagnostically valuable histopathologic pattern.
• These features are identifiable on routine hematoxylin and eosin stains.
• Familiarity with this pattern improves diagnostic accuracy and prevents misdiagnosis, especially in challenging cases.