Pulmonary syphilis mimicking pulmonary hematogenous metastases on chest CT and integrated PET/CT
2011

Pulmonary Syphilis Mimicking Metastases

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Kim Hyung Jun, Seon Hyun Ju, Shin Hyo Hyun, Choi Yoo-Duk

Primary Institution: Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea

Hypothesis

Can pulmonary syphilis present as multiple pulmonary nodules that mimic hematogenous metastases?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that pulmonary syphilis can appear as multiple pulmonary nodules on imaging, which may be mistaken for metastatic disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had multiple pulmonary nodules that were initially thought to be metastatic disease.
  • Follow-up imaging after treatment showed complete resolution of the pulmonary nodules.

Takeaway

A woman had lung nodules that looked like cancer, but it turned out to be a rare infection called syphilis. After treatment, the nodules disappeared.

Methodology

The case involved imaging studies (CT and PET/CT), laboratory tests, and a follow-up evaluation after treatment.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

A 59-year-old woman.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4103/0971-3026.76052

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