Forgotten but Not Gone! Syphilis Induced Tenosynovitis

Abstract EN

Objective.

Tenosynovitis, inflammation of a tendon and its synovial sheath, is a rare manifestation of secondary syphilis and if diagnosed early is reversible.

Background.

A 52-year-old male with past medical history of untreated syphilis presented with gradual onset of swelling and pain of the right fourth metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP).

He reported a history of painless penile lesions after having sexual intercourse with a new partner approximately five months ago which was treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.

An RPR done at that time came back positive with a high titer; however, patient was lost to follow-up.

On examination, patient had an edematous, nonerythematous right fourth proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.

Urgent irrigation, debridement, and exploration of the right hand into the tendon sheath were performed.

With his history of syphillis, an RPR was done, which was reactive with a titer of 1 : 64.

A confirmatory FTA-ABS test was completed, rendering a positive result.

Based on his history of untreated syphilis, dormancy followed by clinical scenario of swelling of the right fourth finger, and a high RPR titer, he was diagnosed with secondary syphilis manifesting as tenosynovitis.