Secondary Syphilis Can Simultaneously Mimic Cholestatic Liver Injury and Glomerular Nephropathy.

Syphilis, a disease affecting millions, still poses challenges for men who have sex with men in high-income countries and often presents in varying ways. It is exceedingly rare for syphilis to simultaneously cause an acute liver injury and nephropathy. This case describes the concomitant clinical presentation of these abnormalities and also describes a liver injury that mimicked cholestatic disease. Treatment of syphilis led to complete resolution of the liver and kidney injury. This case demonstrates a need to exclude syphilis in patients with high-risk behaviors who present with cholestatic liver injury in atypical fashions.

Duke Scholars

Author Matthew Robert Kappus Medicine, Gastroenterology