Secondary syphilis presenting with aortitis and coronary ostial occlusion

Sex Transm Infect. 2016 Mar;92(2):108-9. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052247. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

Abstract

Aortitis is an established manifestation of tertiary syphilis. We report a rare case of aortitis with ostial occlusion and left ventricular failure in secondary syphilis. Her management required a true multidisciplinary approach from multiple specialities due to complications of concomitant psychosis and a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin. This case illustrates the complexities of diagnosing and managing a rare presentation of this increasingly prevalent infection.

Keywords: CLINICAL CARE (GENERAL); PENICILLIN; SYPHILIS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / microbiology*
  • Coronary Stenosis / diagnosis
  • Coronary Stenosis / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Stenosis / microbiology
  • Coronary Stenosis / surgery
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Syphilis / complications
  • Syphilis / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis / drug therapy
  • Syphilis, Cardiovascular / complications
  • Syphilis, Cardiovascular / diagnosis*
  • Syphilis, Cardiovascular / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Methylprednisolone

Supplementary concepts

  • Syphilis, secondary