The clinical spectrum of syphilitic balanitis of Follmann: report of five cases and a review of the literature

Background Eugène Follmann first described syphilitic balanitis as a manifestation of primary syphilis in 1948 and since then it has been known as syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF). So far, SBF has rarely been described in literature. Objectives We are reporting five additional cases of SBF con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2016-10, Vol.30 (10), p.1810-1813
Main Authors: Mainetti, C., Scolari, F., Lautenschlager, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Penile Diseases - pathology
Syphilis - pathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Background Eugène Follmann first described syphilitic balanitis as a manifestation of primary syphilis in 1948 and since then it has been known as syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF). So far, SBF has rarely been described in literature. Objectives We are reporting five additional cases of SBF considering the broad differential diagnosis of balanitis. Methods A review of the available literature of SBF was performed and five additional cases analyzed. Results In our case series, the clinical appearance of SBF shows a heterogeneous spectrum varying from painful oedematous balanoposthitis with beginning paraphimosis to superficial erosive balanitis and even to painless induration of the glans. Conclusions SBF might be seen more frequently than has been described due to misinterpretation. Therefore primary syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of balanitis and balanoposthitis.
ISSN:0926-9959
1468-3083
DOI:10.1111/jdv.13802