Anorectal syphilis: an underdiagnosticated entity. Casuistry of a public hospital in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Introduction: STIs affect millions of people annually. Syphilis increases both globally and nationally. Anoreceptive sex is a predisposing factor and men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable. The anal lesions in primary stage cause intense proctalgia and in secondary stage they can simulate viral condylomas, that if they resolve spontaneously might remain without etiological diagnosis.

Methods: Descriptive, ambispective, cross-sectional study. Review of records of patients seen in coloproctology at the Fernández Hospital (01/01/2015 - 03/01/2019). Patients with confirmatory serology were included. Variables analyzed: sex, age, derivation diagnosis, HIV, other STDs, anal sex / oro-anal, stage, clinic and cases/year.

Results: Seventy-seven cases (61 men, 12 women, 4 trans-women). Mean age of 30 years (range: 18 - 72), 48% <30 years. 83% did not use condoms (100% of HIV +). Seventeen cases (22%) detected during Chlamydia search. Fifty-eight patients (75%) had associated STIs. Syphilis, HIV and LGV coexisted in 8 MSM. Manifestations observed: proctalgia (77%), proctorrhagia (55%), discharge (53%), anal ulcer (51%). 50% of women arrived with inacurate diagnosis. Cases/year: 6 in 2015, 13 in 2016, 21 in 2017, 31 in 2018 and 6 in the first two months of 2019.

Conclusions: There was a progressive increase in cases of anorectal syphilis (mostly MSM), that even when they are HIV +, does not use a condom. Currently, association of syphilis with LGV in MSM HIV + should be suspected. The clinical similarity with non-venereal pathologies and the spontaneous remission of lesions obliges to test it to avoid its progression and to break the chain of transmission.