Malignant Syphilis (Lues Maligna)

2/16/2005

Question: How is malignant syphilis, or lues maligna, recognized?

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Unique Identifier:11362063

Authors: Kumar B. Muralidhar S.

Institution: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Title: Malignant syphilis: a review. [Review] [36 refs]

Source: AIDS Patient Care & Stds. 12(12):921-5, 1998 Dec.

Abstract: Syphilis is a disorder that may mimic many other diseases. Its incidence has risen and fallen over the centuries. A particularly malignant and virulent form, lues maligna, has recently been more frequently observed in the HIV-infected population. Raising the awareness of the occurrence of and the clinical and laboratory criteria of syphilis in general and lues maligna in particular in the HIV-infected population is becoming more urgent. Early treatment can result in a good outcome and stem the spread of the disease; as with other forms of syphilis, penicillin is the drug of choice. [References: 36]

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Unique Identifier:7742445

Authors: Sands M. Markus A.

Institution: Division of Infectious Diseases (Department of Medicine), Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts 01199, USA.

Title: Lues maligna, or ulceronodular syphilis, in a man infected with human immunodeficiency virus: case report and review. [Review] [18 refs]

Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases. 20(2):387-90, 1995 Feb.

Abstract: A 30-year-old bisexual man who was infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and had a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin developed lues maligna, or ulceronodular secondary syphilis. Therapy with parenteral erythromycin failed, and he was subsequently treated with ceftriaxone following penicillin desensitization. A review of the English-language literature identified 14 cases of lues maligna reported between the early 1900s and 1988. From 1989 to 1994, an additional 12 cases (including the current case) were reported. Of those 12 cases, 11 occurred in patients who either were infected with HIV or were at high risk for HIV infection. Patients infected with HIV may be at increased risk of developing this severe form of secondary syphilis. Lues maligna should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIV-infected patients who present with ulceronodular lesions. [References: 18] CAS Registry/EC Number/Name of Substance 73384-59-5 (Ceftriaxone).