CASE REPORT: SECONDARY SYPHILIS MASQUERADING AS LEUKOCYTOCLASTIC VASCULITIS

Dr. Aakanksha, Dr. Nita Kumari, Dr. Upasana Chauhan*

ABSTRACT

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum. It presents itself in two forms: congenital and acquired. The acquired form is further classified as primary, secondary and tertiary form. It can present in the form of various cutaneous lesions mimicking other dermatological diseases and thus, it has been appropriately termed as "a great imitator". The present case report shows that the initial presentation of syphilis was a macula-papular as well as vasculitic rash with a relatively rapid onset. However, on history taking and examination a clinical suspicion of secondary syphilis was established, which was later proved through histopathology. A high index of suspicion is the key to diagnosis to such tricky cases.

Keywords: The present case report shows that the initial presentation of syphilis was a macula-papular as well as vasculitic rash with a relatively rapid onset.