Acute Syphilitic Balanitis and Gross Penile Edema in an HIV-Infected Man
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-998X.2013.01.02.1Keywords:
Syphilis, secondary syphilis, balanitis, penile edema, HIV.Abstract
Syphilis presenting with balanitis and penile edema is rare, and in most cases has been considered to be a manifestation of primary syphilis. We report the case of an HIV-infected man who presented with penile edema and balanitis concomitant with an eruption on his buttocks, lower abdomen and thighs. Histologic examination and serology were diagnostic of syphilis, and the patient was successfully treated with benzathine-penicillin. Our case represents an unusual, infrequently reported presentation of secondary syphilis.
References
Lisboa C, Ferreira A, Resende C, Rodrigues AG. Infectious balanoposthitis: management, clinical and laboratory features. Int J Dermatol 2009; 48: 121-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.03966.x
Babu CS, Vitharana S, Higgins SP. Primary syphilis presenting as balanitis. Int J STD AIDS 2007; 18: 497-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/095646207781147346
Abdennader S, Janier M, Morel P. Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann: three case reports. Acta Derm Venereol 2011; 91: 191-2.
Sanchez M. Syphilis. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffell DJ editor. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill 2008; pp. 1955-77.
Hutchinson CM, Hook EW, Shepherd M, Verley J, Rompalo AM. Altered clinical presentation of early syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Ann Intern Med 1994; 121: 94-100. http://dx.doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-121-2-199407150-00003
Golden MR, Marra CM, Holmes KK. Update on syphilis: resurgence of an old problem. JAMA 2003; 290: 1510-4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.290.11.1510
Weinberger LN, Zirwas MJ, English JC, 3rd. A diagnostic algorithm for male genital oedema. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2007; 21: 156-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.02025.x
