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Sudden deafness in a patient with secondary syphilis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2009

F W Ibrahim  and
M K Malu
F W Ibrahim*
Affiliation:
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK
M K Malu
Affiliation:
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr F W Ibrahim, Department of GU Medicine, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK. Fax: 0116 2585005 E-mail: Fatima.Ibrahim@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objectives:

To emphasise the importance of considering a diagnosis of early acquired syphilis in all sexually active adults, and to review the ENT manifestations and treatment of acquired syphilis.

Case report:

A 24-year-old woman presented with sudden hearing loss, and subsequently developed clinical features suggestive of secondary syphilis. She was seen in the departments of ENT, dermatology, rheumatology and infectious diseases before a correct diagnosis was made. Treatment resulted in only partial recovery of hearing.

Conclusions:

With the exponential rise in syphilis cases in the UK, there has been a re-emergence of presenting manifestations that had previously become rare. Early syphilis should be considered in all sexually active adults who present with deafness, as prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for maximum recovery.

Keywords

Sensorineural Hearing lossSecondary SyphilisSkin RashOtosyphilis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 11 , November 2009 , pp. 1262 - 1265
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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References

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