Early syphilis: presenting as anal fissure
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.15.1.2005.623Keywords:
Early syphilis, anal fissure, homosexualityAbstract
Syphilis is a chronic, systemic and infectious sexually transmitted disease. It is one of the
great imitators in medicine affecting most of the organs in the body. It can present to any
practitioner mimicking any medical or surgical disorder. We present a case of early syphilis
which initially presented to surgeon as anal fissure and just before surgery; he was found to
have a widespread skin rash, suggestive of secondary syphilis. On inquiry, he admitted to
homosexual practice for the last 4-5 years. Diagnosis was confirmed on serology and was
treated accordingly. Skin rash as well as anal symptoms disappeared within two weeks of
treatment. He was referred to psychiatrist for behaviour therapy and was advised regular
follow up.
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