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Langerhans cells in granulomatous syphilis.

In a case of granulomatous syphilis (transitional state between early and late syphilis), several Langerhans cells (LC) were present in the basal and medial part of the epidermis. Evidence of LC activation was given by the presence of many Langerhans granules, vesicles, a large Golgi apparatus and, sometimes, Golgi complexes. In some LC, signs of degeneration were visible. Langerhans granules surrounded by cytoplasmic material were present in the intercellular space of the epidermis. Apposition of lymphocytes to LC in the dermal space supports the role of LC in immunologic mechanisms. This was further confirmed by signs of phagocytosis in LC. The interaction of LC with intra-epidermal microorganisms (as, for instance, the Treponema pallidum) might be important in the development of the epidermotropic infiltration. This mainly consists of lymphocytes, which sometimes form a pseudolymphoma. A correlation between LC and granuloma formation is suggested.

Adult↗

[Medical reflections on the Cranach altar in the St. Wolfgang church at Schneeberg/Saxony].

When looking at some figures of the Cranach altar in the St. Wolfgang church at Schneeberg/Saxony, congenital syphilis and other diseases must be taken into diagnostic consideration. An earlier edition of this magazine contained a reference to a quite similar, possibly luetic saddle nose on a carved figure in the monastery of Waldsassen, which was made almost 200 years later. For iconographical reasons and because of the very early time of its creation around 1530, the deliberate representation of such a diagnosis, at least for Schneeberg, seems doubtful.

Austria↗

[Syphilis. Clinical aspects of Treponema pallidum infection].

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection by Treponema pallidum. Without antibiotic treatment syphilis lasts for several decades and may develop up to 4 different clinical stages. Usually, the disease begins with a distinct painless and indurated ulcer at the contact site: the primary chancre. An indolent regional lymph node swelling is usually associated with the syphilitic chancre. After spontaneous healing of the primary lesion and several weeks of latency, the clinical symptoms of secondary syphilis occur. Treponema pallidum bacteremia leads to common symptoms like fever and malaise, but also to a generalized lymphadenopathy, and a broad variety of lesions of the skin and mucosal membranes. Non-pruritic transient exanthems often involving palms and soles, condylomata lata, and a specific angina with mucous patches of the oral cavity are prominent signs. After several relapses, which are characterized by a decreasing intensity of clinical symptoms, secondary syphilis then resolves spontaneously. A second period of latency follows, lasting 3-12 years. Then the outcome of untreated syphilis becomes apparent: spontaneous healing by elimination/inactivation of the spirochetes (75%) or transition to tertiary syphilis (25%). Two kinds of granulomatous skin reactions are typical for tertiary syphilis: superficial nodular syphilids and gummas. The bones, as well as the cardiovascular and central nervous system, may also be involved. Finally, metasyphilis with severe and sometimes lethal neurological symptoms (tabes dorsalis, progressive paralysis) occurs 10 to 30 years after primary infection. Except for irreversible tissue destruction which occurs prior to therapy, all stages of syphilis can be cured completely.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[Syphilis and HIV infection. Characteristic features of diagnosis, clinical assessment, and treatment].

The incidence of syphilis has increased dramatically in Germany since 2001. Homosexual men have been particularly afflicted. Several characteristic features should be taken into account in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV patients with concomitant syphilis. Since laboratory analyses are frequently unreliable, the experienced physician must pay special attention to the clinical picture. The stages in the clinical course of syphilis do not differ essentially between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. However, atypical and serious courses with rapid progression and CNS involvement are observed more frequently. Moreover, incorrect diagnoses are often reached. Treatment requires particular diligence. Penicillin is the agent of choice for all stages of syphilis in patients infected with HIV. Because the stages are often difficult to differentiate, the choice of which penicillin derivative should be administered is the subject of controversy. There is no safe alternative for patients allergic to penicillin.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

[Plaques opalines: a rare form of secondary syphilis of the oral mucous membrane].

A 37 year old woman presented with a 4-month history of "plaques opalines" of the oral mucosa complaining of a rough feeling in her mouth and burning when swallowing. On the basis of clinical, histological and serological details and especially the presence of generalized indolent lymphadenopathy, the diagnosis of secondary syphilis was made. Although plaques opalines are a relatively rare manifestation of secondary syphilis, they can occasionally be the only sign and are important in the differential diagnostic considerations of gray-white mucosal lesions, especially with current continuing rise of syphilis incidence in Central Europe.

Adult↗

[Late secondary syphilis with ulceration of the tongue during HIV coinfection: case report].

With the continuing rise of syphilis incidence, late stages and atypical courses with HIV-coinfection can be expected. A 45 year old HIV infected male presented with an unusual manifestation of late secondary syphilis on the tongue, which was first diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma but cleared after therapy with penicillin. He also exhibited psoriasiform and annular lesions on the trunk and hyperkeratotic papules on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. A TPHA test was negative due to a prozone phenomenon. With this case, we would like to emphasize the formerly well known relationship between the lesions of tertiary syphilis on the tongue and development of secondary carcinoma.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Angina specifica and mucous plaques of the mouth cavity in lues II].

We report on a case of secondary syphilis that became clinically manifest as partially erosive, almost asymptomatic lesions of the oral mucosa. Dark-field microscopy, typical serological parameters and the presence of spirochetes in the biopsy material promptly led to the diagnosis. Depending on the clinical picture, the possibility of syphilis should not be overlooked in the differential diagnosis of disease of the oral mucosa.

Adult↗