Secondary syphilis revealed by rheumatic complaints.

Six patients (five men and one woman) are described, who consulted rheumatologists with varied rheumatic complaints: four had subacute synovitis with effusion, frequently associated with vague arthralgias; and five of the patients had back pain which was more severe at rest. Most of the patients had some clinical signs of secondary syphilis, such as roseola, loss of hair, or lymphadenopathy, and their serological reactions for lues were strongly positive. Since no other cause for these rheumatic complaints could be found, secondary syphilis was considered responsible for them. In all cases the rheumatic complaints cleared with specific treatment.