Nodular secondary syphilis with associated granulomatous inflammation: case report and literature review |
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Authors: | Carolyn Rysgaard Erik Alexander Brian L. Swick |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, , Iowa City, IA, USA;2. Dermatology Associates of Wisconsin, S.C., , Wauwatosa, WI, USA;3. Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa, , Iowa City, IA, USA;4. Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, , Iowa City, IA, USA |
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Abstract: | A 62‐year‐old male presented with a 10‐day history of a diffuse, erythematous papular rash sparing the palms and soles. Histopathologic examination of a skin lesion showed loose non‐caseating granulomas in a lymphoplasmacytic background. Scattered spirochetes were identified by Treponema pallidum immunohistochemistry, in keeping with a diagnosis of secondary syphilis. Granulomatous inflammation in secondary syphilis is uncommon. A review of the literature reveals that the majority of prior reported cases of granulomatous secondary syphilis share similar characteristics to this case; namely, a papular or nodular clinical presentation, sparing of the palms and soles, and collections of epithelioid histiocytes with associated lymphocytes and variable numbers of plasma cells. |
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Keywords: | granulomatous infection nodular syphilis secondary syphilis syphilis |
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