Not all lytic bone lesions are malignant: A report of syphilitic osteitis presenting with multiple lytic skull lesions

IDCases. 2022 May 18:28:e01518. doi: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01518. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Syphilitic osteitis is one of the rare and often under-reported complications of early syphilis. Recognizing this entity is important as it may mimic other conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or metastatic malignancies. Misdiagnosis and delayed management can lead to irreversible destructive lesions. We herein report a case of calvaria syphilitic osteitis that was initially investigated for possible lymphoma and later diagnosed as secondary syphilis.

Keywords: Early syphilis; Lytic bone lesions; Syphilis; Syphilitic cranial lesions; Syphilitic osteitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports