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[Gastric syphilis. Report on first 2 cases in Cuba]
S Castaño Hernández1, J Quintana Marrero, R Soto Domínquez
1Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Docente Martín Chang Puga, Nuevitas, Camagüery, Cuba.
Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Secondary syphilis can manifest with unusual gastric symptoms, including lesions mimicking neoplasia or ulcers. Treatment with penicillin confirmed the diagnosis by resolving symptoms and reducing V.D.R.L. titers.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Syphilology
Background:
- Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Gastric involvement in secondary syphilis is rare but has been reported.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
Observation:
- Two female patients, aged 28 and 25, presented with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Endoscopic examination revealed gastric findings: neoplasia-compatible hyperemic mammillation in one and an ulcerous lesion in the other.
- Both patients had positive serological tests for syphilis and relevant clinical histories.
Findings:
- The gastric lesions were attributed to secondary syphilis based on serological results and clinical presentation.
- A specific spirochete stain yielded negative results, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
- Response to penicillin treatment, including regression of cutaneous-visceral manifestations and decreased V.D.R.L. titers, confirmed the diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case series underscores the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained gastric disorders.
- Unusual endoscopic findings in syphilis can mimic other gastrointestinal pathologies, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
- Effective penicillin therapy remains the cornerstone for treating syphilis and its varied manifestations.