Rupioid Syphilid with Prozone Phenomenon.
- Author:
Se Young PARK
1
;
Kun PARK
;
Seok Don PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea. sdpark@wonkwang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Prozone phenomenon;
Rupioid syphilid
- MeSH:
Antibodies;
False Negative Reactions;
Female;
Flocculation;
Humans;
Necrosis;
Pregnant Women;
Serologic Tests;
Syphilis;
Syphilis, Cutaneous
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2011;49(6):557-560
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Rupioid syphilid is a type of pustular syphilis which accounts for <2% of cases of secondary syphilis. In pustular syphilis, pustules undergo central necrosis giving rise to "limpet-like" crusts resembling an "oyster shell." When the clinical findings are atypical, a diagnosis is made based on serologic testing. The prozone phenomenon occurs in <1% of patients with primary or secondary syphilis. This is a false negative reaction that occurs when very high antibodies in the serum prevent the formation of the antibody-antigen lattice needed to visualize a flocculation reaction. We report a case of rupioid syphilid in a pregnant woman accompanied by the prozone phenomenon. An accurate diagnosis was delayed because of atypical clinical findings and false-negative serologic results.
