[Detection and incidence of hepatitis in secondary syphilis. Seventy case-reports (author's transl)]

Biologic hepatitis is common in secondary syphilis. Six cases are reported, in which stereotyped biologic changes were found. These consisted of very high alkaline phosphatase levels and gamma GT levels, with definite inflammation. Cytolysis was moderate or absent. Diagnosis can be established when these biologic anomalies are associated with strongly positive serologic tests for syphilis and rapid recovery under adequate treatment. In these cases, hepatic biopsy is unnecessary.