A Case of Syphilitic Hepatitis in an Adolescent

Abstract

The incidence of syphilis is rising among adolescents necessitating improved provider awareness and screening practices. We present a case of an adolescent with acute hepatitis ultimately diagnosed with secondary syphilitic hepatitis. Clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities, and histologic features of syphilitic hepatitis are nonspecific, with diagnosis relying on clinical suspicion and targeted testing. This case highlights the importance of screening for syphilis in sexually active adolescents with acute hepatitis. The rising incidence of syphilis among adolescents, and the variety of clinical manifestations including those commonly seen by pediatric gastroenterologists, makes elevated clinical suspicion essential to prompt diagnosis and treatment. With improved provider awareness across general pediatric and subspecialty providers, the transmission of syphilis among adolescent patients can be reduced.