Clinical and histopathological correlation in a dermatosis considered the great imitator: a case study
Keywords:
Dermatosis, Secondary syphilis, Treponema pallidumAbstract
Introduction: syphilis, considered a sexually transmitted infection, is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Its incidence has significantly decreased; however, "the great imitator" remains, and it is essential to maintain a diagnostic suspicion since, in addition to the usual clinical forms, infrequent manifestations or those that mimic other diseases may arise, complicating timely detection depending on the evolutionary stage of the disease.
Objective: to determine the correlation of histological studies with the clinical suspicion of the disease.
Case Presentation: although histopathological study is not listed as a criterion for defining the index case and consequently the diagnosis of the condition, sometimes the diverse morphology of the lesions warrants the use of skin biopsy to rule out other conditions. A 54-year-old male patient presented with general and cutaneous manifestations lasting several weeks. Complementary tests were indicated for diagnosis and to initiate subsequent management. Additionally, a skin biopsy was performed to evaluate other diagnostic possibilities. The histological result confirmed the clinical suspicion of syphilis, demonstrating the importance of histology in dermatological conditions.
Conclusions: the clinical manifestations of syphilis are challenging, and their recognition is crucial. Although histology is not considered a laboratory criterion for diagnosis, clinical suspicion and skin biopsy with characteristic results of this infection were key elements in the patient's care.
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