in utero syphilis infection

Congenital
syphilis. AP radiograph of the bilateral lower extremities revealed symmetrical metaphyseal lucent bands in the distal femurs, proximal tibias and distal tibias (arrows).
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Congenital
syphilis. There is serrated appearance of the metaphyses of the right distal femur and distal tibia (arrows) with sparing of the radiodense periphyseal zones of provisional calcification.
www.eurorad.org • CC by-nc-sa-4.0
Congenital
syphilis. AP radiograph of the right upper extremity. Metaphyseal lucent bands similar to those in the lower extremities predominantly involving the proximal ulna and distal radius (arrows)
www.eurorad.org • CC by-nc-sa-4.0
Congenital
syphilis. AP radiograph of the left upper extremity with lucent metaphysical bands (short arrow) and in addition, a focal area of erosion involving the left distal humerus (long arrow).
www.eurorad.org • CC by-nc-sa-4.0
Congenital
syphilis as the cause of multiple bone fractures in a young infant case report. X-ray findings of long bones
bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com • CC-by-4.0
Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

In utero syphilis infection, or congenital syphilis, results from transplacental transmission of the maternal infection from the spirochete Treponema pallidum, subspecies pallidum.

For a general discussion, and for links to other system specific manifestations, please refer to the article on syphilis.

Pathology

The pathogen is capable of crossing the placenta during any time in gestation.

Markers

The following tests can be assessed on maternal blood

  • fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test (FTA-ABS)
  • rapid plasma reagin (RPR)
  • venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL)

Radiographic features

Antenatal ultrasound

Sonographic features are often non specific and mimic those of the generalized in utero infection.

Such features include

In severe cases there may be evidence of

Treatment and prognosis

Treatment in often with penicillin. Fetal demise or still birth can occur in ~ 50% of untreated cases. Fetus developing hydrops tend to have a very poor prognosis.

See also

Siehe auch:
und weiter:
Assoziationen und Differentialdiagnosen zu Lues connata: