J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2007 Oct;42(5):696-699. 10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.5.696.

Syphilitic Osteomyelitis of the Clavicular Shaft Mimickinga Malignant Bone Tumor: A Case Report

• Kim DS
• Kim YM
• Choi ES
• Shon HC
• Park KJ
• Cui HS
• Lee OJ

• KMID: 2186481
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.5.696

Abstract

Skeletal lesions such as osteomyelitis induced by acquired syphilis are rarely encountered except in the neuropathic joints of tertiary syphilis. The authors experienced syphilitic osteomyelitis of the clavicle in a 51 year-old lady. The lesion seemed to be a malignant tumor radiologically, but diagnosis was not achieved even by biopsy. However, thorough serologic examinations enabled an accurate diagnosis and the disease was controlled effectively by antibiotics, including penicillin injections. The authors report this case and include a review of the literature, which describes the rarity and clinical significance of this condition.

Keyword

Clavicle; Syphilitic osteomyelitis; Bone tumor

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Biopsy
Clavicle
Diagnosis
Humans
Joints
Middle Aged
Osteomyelitis*
Penicillins
Syphilis
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Penicillins

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Preoperative radiograph of the patient, AP view of the right clavicle showing destructive changes and medial clavicle enlargement (arrow).

• 

  Fig. 2 Biopsy specimen showing the infiltrations of small round cells, which included lymphocytes and plasma cells, and fibrosis.

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  Fig. 3 Postoperative 4-month lordotic view radiograph of the right clavicle showing lesion consolidation with enhanced new bone formation.

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