A CASE OF GASTRIC SYPHILIS

Abstract

Gastric syphilis is a rare disease of the stomach. It is difficult distingnish gastric syphilis from malignant disease of the stomach. A 27-year-old male complained of upper abdominal pain. X-ray examination demon-strated irregularity of the angulus and irregularly shaped ulcer with convering folds. Gastroscopic examination showed irregular shaped ulcer with converging folds and surrounding edematous and friable mucosa on the angulus. Gastric biopsy revealed non-specific inflammation with no evidence of malignancy. Repeated biopsy showed no malignant findings. Positive serologic test for syphilis and inguinal lymphnode swelling suggested possibility of gastric syphilis. Upper abdominal pain and gastroscopic findings were immediately improved after anti-syphilitic therapy.