Not all lytic bone lesions are malignant: A report of syphilitic osteitis presenting with multiple lytic skull lesions

Abstract

Syphilitic osteitis is one of the rare and often under-reported complications of early syphilis. Recognizing this entity is important as it may mimic other conditions like multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or metastatic malignancies. Misdiagnosis and delayed management can lead to irreversible destructive lesions. We herein report a case of calvaria syphilitic osteitis that was initially investigated for possible lymphoma and later diagnosed as secondary syphilis.

Keywords

• Syphilis
• Syphilitic osteitis
• Syphilitic cranial lesions
• Early syphilis
• Lytic bone lesions