Barking up the wrong tree? Use of polymerase chain reaction to diagnose syphilitic aortitis.

O'Regan, A W; Castro, C; Lukehart, S A; Kasznica, J M; Rice, P A; Joyce-Brady, M F · Thorax · 2002

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

The presentation of syphilitic aortitis is often atypical and available serological tests are non-specific. The diagnostic gold standard remains direct identification of microorganisms in tissue. We present a case of syphilitic aortitis that presented as a mediastinal mass and report the use of polymerase chain reaction for Treponema pallidum to diagnose syphilitic aortic disease.

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