Syphilis: a reversible cause of nephrotic syndrome

A patient in his late 30s presented with symptoms consistent with a nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy. He also mentioned a spontaneous resolving ‘rash’ at his glans penis after unprotected intercourse. Therefore, he was tested for sexually transmitted diseases as a pos...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ Case Reports 2013, Vol.2013
Main Authors: Handoko, M Louis, Duijvestein, Marjolijn, Scheepstra, Cornelis G, de Fijter, Carola W H
Format: Report
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A patient in his late 30s presented with symptoms consistent with a nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy. He also mentioned a spontaneous resolving ‘rash’ at his glans penis after unprotected intercourse. Therefore, he was tested for sexually transmitted diseases as a possible underlying cause of his nephrotic syndrome. Serology for syphilis was positive with high titres. After a single penicillin injection, there was fast and complete clinical recovery.
ISSN:1757-790X
DOI:10.1136/bcr-2012-008279