Abstract
Background:
Secondary syphilis can have protean clinical manifestations and can present with unusual lesions, which may go unrecognized.
Methods:
We report two cases of secondary syphilis with annular lichenoid plaques on the scrotum associated with generalized lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise.
Results and conclusions:
The serology revealed a reactive Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test and a positive Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was nonreactive. The lesions cleared with a single dose of benzathine penicillin, 2.4 million units, given intramuscularly. The presentations of syphilis, often described as “x201C;the great imitator,” can be varied and atypical. Increased clinical vigilance and awareness of the varied modes of presentation are needed to prevent missing this highly treatable, potentially serious condition.
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