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