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Simultaneous nephrotic syndrome and hepatitis in secondary syphilis: case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

A 66-year-old man presented with a penile ulcer, an acute clinical onset of nephrotic syndrome and hepatitis. Secondary syphilis was diagnosed on the basis of the history of rash and the result of strongly positive serological test for syphilis. A renal biopsy demonstrated membranous glomerulonephritis with subepithelial electron-dense deposits. After treatment with amoxicillin for 2 weeks, he achieved clinical recovery. It is important to recognize syphilis as a reversible cause of nephrotic syndrome and acute hepatitis because antibiotic therapy can result in complete remission.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Center of Nephrology in Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Corporation Ohkubo Hospital, 2-44-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8488, Japan

    Ayumi Ishiwatari, Jumpei Hasegawa, Yoshie Hoshino, Toshie Kaga, Yasutomo Abe & Sachiko Wakai

Authors
  1. Ayumi Ishiwatari
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  2. Jumpei Hasegawa
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  3. Yoshie Hoshino
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  4. Toshie Kaga
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  5. Yasutomo Abe
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  6. Sachiko Wakai
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ayumi Ishiwatari.

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Ishiwatari, A., Hasegawa, J., Hoshino, Y. et al. Simultaneous nephrotic syndrome and hepatitis in secondary syphilis: case report and review of the literature. CEN Case Rep 4, 223–227 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13730-015-0173-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13730-015-0173-2

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