Secondary syphilis.

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It is divided into three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary. Latent syphilis is asymptomatic and occurs between these stages. Presentation can mimic many other illnesses.

CASE PRESENTATION: A man in his forties experienced a general decline in health over three to four months, with a sore throat and localised adenopathy. He was referred to an otolaryngologist to rule out malignancy. Based on ultrasound findings and lymph node biopsies, doctors suspected an infectious aetiology. Blood tests confirmed an active syphilis infection.

INTERPRETATION: When patients present with localised or generalised adenopathy and a sore throat, it is important to consider taking a thorough sexual history and to test for sexually transmitted diseases.