Jacobson Michael A, Pollack Ross B, Maize John C
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
South Med J. 2007 Dec;100(12):1221-2. doi: 10.1097/smj.0b013e31815a93bc.
A patient is described who presented with the acute onset of widely distributed necrotic papules mimicking pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. A skin biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation and spirochetes were demonstrated. Serologic testing confirmed infection with the Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is still a great imitator and its persistence as an infectious disease is reviewed.