Miruna-Ioana MIRON1*, Camelia Cristina DIACONU2,3,4, Teodor Catalin CONSTANTINESCU5, Alin Laurențiu TATU1, 6,7
Abstract. Syphilis, a chronic systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum, reemerges as a major global health concern due to its rising incidence and wide-ranging clinical presentations. While often regarded as a sexually transmitted infection confined to the genital tract, syphilis frequently involves multiple organ systems, particularly in its secondary and tertiary stages. This review highlights the key organ-specific manifestations of syphilis, focusing on cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and neurological complications. Cardiovascular involvement may include aortitis, aortic regurgitation, and coronary ostial stenosis. Pulmonary syphilis, though rare, can mimic malignancies or granulomatous diseases. Hepatic syphilis often presents as cholestatic hepatitis and, in severe cases, may progress to fulminant liver failure. Renal complications range from mild proteinuria to nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis. Neurosyphilis, previously considered a late-stage and uncommon outcome, is now increasingly recognized earlier in the disease course, with a wide rage of clinical symptoms. Effective diagnosis relies on a combination of serologic testing, imaging, histopathological evaluation and, in special cases, advanced molecular techniques such as metagenomic sequencing. Timely recognition and treatment with penicillin remain critical in preventing long-term organ damage. Given syphilis’s ability to imitate various conditions and affect diverse populations, increased clinical vigilance and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for effective management.
Keywords: Syphilis, Cardiovascular Syphilis, Hepatic Syphilis, Pulmonary Syphilis, Neurosyphilis.
DOI 10.56082/annalsarscimed.2025.1.43
1 Department of Dermatology, “Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Galati, Romania
2 Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
3 Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
4 Academy of Romanian Scientists
5 Department of Medical Assistance and Kinetotherapy, National University of Science and Tehnology Politehnica, Pitesti, Romania
6 Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University, Galati, Romania
7 Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research MIC-DIR, 800010 Galati, Romania
* Correspondence: Miruna-Ioana Miron, Department of Dermatology, “Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Galati, Romania; e-mail: miruna.miron97@gmail.com
PUBLISHED in Annals of the Academy of Romanian Scientists Series of Medicine, Volume 6, Issue 1
ISSN-L 2668-8816 ONLINE ISSN 2668-8816
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It is a biannual, open-access journal edited by the Academy of Romanian Scientists and published by the Academy of Romanian Scientists Publishing House.