Case Report

Myositis as an Unusual Presentation of Secondary Syphilis

Authors: Jill Nord, MD, Azza Elemam, MD, William Mandell, MD

Abstract

Myositis is a complication of many infectious and noninfectious processes. Secondary syphilis is an uncommon cause of myositis, and, therefore, the diagnosis may be delayed. We describe a man with human immunodeficiency virus infection presenting with diffuse muscle injury secondary to syphilis. He had complete resolution of all signs and symptoms after treatment with intravenous penicillin.


Key Points


* Myositis has both infectious and noninfectious etiologies.


* Rare presentations of syphilis pose a diagnostic challenge, and the diagnosis may be missed or delayed.


* Syphilis must be considered when confronted with myositis of unclear etiology.

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References

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