Papulonecrotic eruption in a 44-year-old-man.
A patient is described who presented with the acute onset of widely distributed necrotic papules mimicking pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. A skin biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation and spirochetes were demonstrated. Serologic testing confirmed infection with the Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is still a great imitator and its persistence as an infectious disease is reviewed.
Jacobson
Michael A
MA
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. jacobsom@musc.edu
Pollack
Ross B
RB
Maize
John C
JC
D000328:Adult; D005076:Exanthema / Q000382:microbiology; D006099:Granuloma / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis; D013591:Syphilis, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology