J Korean Med Sci.  2005 Oct;20(5):886-887. 10.3346/jkms.2005.20.5.886.

A Case of Primary Syphilis in the Rectum

• Song SH
• Jang I
• Kim BS
• Kim ET
• Woo SH
• Park MJ
• Kim CN

• KMID: 1781777
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2005.20.5.886

Abstract

A 30-yr-old man was referred for suspicious rectal cancer because of ulcerated lesions in the rectum and a palpable mass in left inguinal area. Sigmoidoscopy showed two indurated masses and histologic evaluation of biopsy revealed obliterative endarteritis with heavy plasma cell infiltration. Both venereal disease research laboratories (VDRL) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) tests were positive. After injection of penicillin G benzathine for 3 weeks, the rectal chancre and the palpable mass disappeared.

Keyword

Sigmoidoscopy; Chancre; Rectum; Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Male
Rectal Diseases/*complications/drug therapy/*pathology
Rectal Neoplasms/pathology
Syphilis/*complications/drug therapy/*pathology

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A, B) Sigmoidoscopic findings indicate the rectal chancres located on the posterior wall of the rectum (broad arrow and narrow arrow). (C, D) Follow-up sigmoidoscopy after 1 month reveals complete regression.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Rectal mucosa showing obliterative endarteritis with heavy plasma cell infiltration. (B) Inguinal lymph node showing obliterative endarteritis with heavy plasma cell infiltration.

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