ATYPICAL SECONDARY SYPHILIS IN A PSORIATIC PATIENT UNDER CYCLOSPORINE

Abstract

The recent resurgence of syphilis and the diversity of its cutaneous presentations are mandatory to heighten clinical suspicion of this entity, even in the presence of concomitant diseases. The authors describe the case of a 58 year-old man, with a longtime history of psoriasis, that developed a secondary syphilis after the introduction of cyclosporine for a presumed flare of his chronic cutaneous disease. Possible ethologic mechanisms underlying the clinical picture are discussed. The importance of screening for syphilis every patient proposed for immunosuppressive treatment is highlighted, particularly nowadays, when they are being largely used by dermatologists.

KEYWORDS – Syphilis, Cutaneous; Psoriasis; Cyclosporine; Immunosuppressive Agents.