SYPHILIS
Syphilis presents with an easily overlooked first stage and, if left untreated, can slowly progress to a disabling disease noted for central nervous system, cardiac, and musculoskeletal involvement. The primary lesion of syphilis, though readily noted by the male, is not infrequently overlooked by the female. It appears most commonly on the labia majora, mons veneris, clitoris, fourchette, and vaginal mucosa but can also be seen on the anus, rectum, pharynx, tongue, lips, fingers, or the skin of almost any part of the body. The initial lesions first appear 10 to 60 days (average, 21 days) after infection as a fissure, abrasion, or nodule with slight erosion and may then develop the characteristics of a hunterian chancre; an orange-red, granular ulcer, round or oval in shape, 1 or 2 cm in diameter, with sharp margins, and an indurated base. Multiple chancres are sometimes seen, particularly within the labial folds.
Inguinal lymphadenopathy begins slowly, and by the sixth week after
infection is usually well delineated. It appears as firm, painless,
nonsuppurating nodes, from the size of a cherry to that of a walnut.
Histologically, the chancre shows edema, congestion, and infiltration with
lymphocytes, plasma cells, epithelioid, and giant cells. The initial lesions
heal and may be associated with progression to a low-grade fever, headache,
malaise, sore throat, anorexia, generalized lymphadenopathy, and a diffuse,
symmetric, asymptomatic maculopapular rash over the palm and soles (“money
palms”), mucous patches, and condyloma lata.
 |
| Plate 6-13 |
The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and rapid plasma reagin
(RPR) tests are nonspecific tests that are good screening tests because they are
rapid and inexpensive. The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption or
microhemagglutination Treponema pallidum tests are specific treponemal
antibody tests that are confirmatory or diagnostic and are generally not used
for routine screening. Rather, they are useful to rule out a false-positive
screening test, though reductions in the cost of these tests may change this
role to one of screening as well. False-positive screening results may occur in
patients with lupus, hepatitis, sarcoidosis, recent immunization, drug abuse,
or during pregnancy. These test results may be falsely negative in the second
stage of the disease as a result of high levels of anticardiolipin antibody
that interferes with the test (prozone phenomenon). Up to 30% of patients with
a primary lesion have negative test results. (Approximately 15% to 25% of
patients treated during the primary stage revert to being serologically
nonreactive after 2 to 3 years.) If neurosyphilis is suspected, a lumbar
puncture with a VDRL performed on the spinal fluid is required. (Unless clinical
signs or symptoms of neurologic or ophthalmic involvement are present,
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is not recommended for routine evaluation of
patients who have primary or secondary syphilis.) Screenin for HIV infection
should also be strongly considered.
The moisture, warmth, and irritation of the opposing surfaces of the
vulva tend to modify the papules of secondary syphilis, which appear in this
region. Through coalescence, hypertrophy, maceration, and ulceration, the
typical condylomata (moist papules, syphilitic warts) are produced. These
appear as multiple, slightly elevated, disc-shaped, round or oval lesions, of
sizes varying up to that of a dime. They are often confluent or in clusters,
with a moist, slightly depressed, necrotic surface.
Condylomata lata may cover the vulva, perineum, perianal region, inner
thighs, and buttocks and grow during pregnancy. The lesions are highly
infectious.
Ulcerated and hypertrophic gummas of the vulva, as manifestations of
tertiary syphilis, are rare. They are firm, massive growths, which may extend
deeply into underlying tissues or may appear as multinodular ulcerated tumors
involving part or most of the vulva. Secondary infections are common.
