title: [Syphilis maligna in an HIV-negative patient].
abstract: A 21-year-old patient with a history of drug addiction presented with generalized, centrally-ulcerated papules and haemorrhagic crusts. Initially, differential diagnostic considerations included pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta and syphilis. Biopsy and serological testing confirmed the latter diagnosis. Syphilis maligna is a rare form of secondary syphilis; symptoms include a papulonecrotic exanthem and general malaise with fevers and wasting. In the past the disease was described in connection with tuberculosis; today it is most often seen in association with HIV.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck.
authors.forename: Amrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dilling
authors.forename: Helmut H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Wolff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis; D013591:Syphilis, Cutaneous / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy