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Gastric syphilis mimicking linitis plastica
R A Abdu1, K Carter, W J Pomidor
1Department of Surgery, St Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-1790.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Gastric syphilis is rare, often misdiagnosed as stomach cancer. Positive serologic tests in adults warrant suspicion for gastric syphilis, distinguishing it from carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Gastric syphilis incidence has declined, leading to reduced clinical recognition.
- Early symptoms like epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting can mimic gastric carcinoma.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of gastric carcinoma.
- Initial pathological diagnosis was equivocal, necessitating further investigation.
Findings:
- The patient was eventually diagnosed with gastric syphilis.
- Positive serologic findings in adults should prompt consideration of gastric syphilis.
Implications:
- Timely diagnosis of gastric syphilis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
- Distinguishing gastric syphilis from gastric carcinoma prevents unnecessary delays in appropriate patient care.