[The key role of the pathologist in the diagnosis of syphilis: A case report]

Abstract

Syphilis is a resurging sexually transmitted infection linked to Treponema Pallidum. Syphilitic lymphadenitis can be present during the 3 stages of the disease. Its histological diagnosis remains challenging for the pathologist given its possible misleading aspect and its ability to mimic as well as reactional as tumoral conditions. We report the case of an HIV-infected young patient referred for suspicion of an aggressive lymphoma. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of cervical lymphadenopathy revealed secondary syphilis.

Keywords: Adénopathie; Biopsie cutanée; Cutaneous biopsy; Lymph node microbiopsy; Lymphadenopathy; Microbiopsie ganglionnaire; Secondary syphilis; Syphilis secondaire.