Abstract
Introduction: syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused
by spirochete Treponema pallidum that causes a wide variety of symptoms
and signs. With a recent worldwide resurgence of syphilis, it’s
imperative to recognize various presentation of this great imitator.
Renal syphilis is rare and most commonly present as nephrotic range
proteinuria associated with pathological features of a membranous
glomerulonephritis. Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is a very
rare and atypical form of renal syphilis.
Case presentation: A 50-year-old Ethiopian woman presented with
periorbital swelling, hematuria, proteinuria, and rapidly progressive
renal failure. Rapid plasma reagin and confirmatory Treponema pallidum
hemaglutination agglutination (TPHA) was reactive. Treatment with a
weekly Benzathine penicillin for 3 weeks resulted in rapid return of
renal function to baseline.
Conclusion: with increasing rate of new syphilis, clinicians
should be mindful of the various renal manifestation of syphilis. This
case highlights the significance of considering syphilis as a reversible
cause in any patient presenting with a clinical feature suggestive of
RPGN.
Keywords: Syphilis, Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis,
Hematuria, Ethiopia, Case report