1/2. Intestinal ulceration, obstruction, and haemorrhage in congenital syphilis.intestinal obstruction and bleeding are uncommon complications of congenital syphilis (CS). A VDRL-positive infant developed incomplete intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. Despite conservative management, his symptoms continued. At laparotomy, terminal ileal inflammation and stenosis were demonstrated. He underwent ileal resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis with resolution of his symptoms. Histopathological examination demonstrated heavy plasmacytic infiltration of the lamina propria and submucosa with ulceration of the mucosa, consistent with syphilitic ileitis. This report documents for the first time bleeding from ileal ulcers associated with intestinal obstruction in CS and highlights an unusual presentation of the disease.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = haemorrhage (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Congenital syphilis associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate--a clinico-pathological case study.Congenital syphilis remains a significant clinical problem, especially in developing countries. We report a fatal case of congenital syphilis complicated by persistent pulmonary hypertension and hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVE: To describe the association of congenital syphilis with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). METHOD: Case report of a single patient. RESULTS: fatal outcome of one baby with congenital syphilis and associated PPHN despite maximal conventional treatment. Histological examination of the lungs revealed pulmonary oedema, intra-alveolar haemorrhages, localised bronchopneumonia and marked interstitial infiltrates of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and fibroblasts with interstitial fibrosis. Examination of peripheral pulmonary arteries revealed focal excessive muscularisation with increased adventitial connective tissue. DISCUSSION: Reviewing our own experience and available literature, this case study supports the infrequent association of congenital syphilis with PPHN. However, when it occurs, this combination appears to be fatal. CONCLUSION: More research is warranted to clarify the role of inflammatory mediators in congenital syphilis of the lung.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.25keywords = haemorrhage (Clic here for more details about this article) |