A rare case of lues maligna in an HIV-negative woman

Dermatol Online J. 2022 Oct 15;28(5). doi: 10.5070/D328559250.

Abstract

We describe an HIV-negative 43-year-old woman presenting with a diffuse ulceronodular eruption and positive serological tests for syphilis consistent with lues maligna. Lues maligna is a severe and rare variant of secondary syphilis characterized by prodromal constitutional symptoms followed by the formation of multiple well-circumscribed nodules with ulceration and crust. This case depicts a particularly rare presentation as lues maligna usually involves HIV-positive men. The clinical presentation of lues maligna can pose a diagnostic challenge, with infections, sarcoidosis, and cutaneous lymphoma as just a few entities in its broad differential diagnosis. However, with a high index of suspicion, clinicians can diagnose and treat this entity earlier and reduce morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin Neoplasms* / complications
  • Skin Ulcer* / pathology
  • Syphilis* / diagnosis
  • Syphilis, Cutaneous* / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • Syphilis, secondary