Syphilis presenting as the 'blue toe syndrome'
Federman, D.G.; Valdivia, M.; Kirsner, R.S.
Archives of Internal Medicine 154(9): 1029-1031
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9926 PMID: 8179446 Document Number: 429766
The abrupt development of cyanotic and painful toes, "the blue toe syndrome," has been attributed to a number of medical conditions. We describe a patient in which the workup for this condition failed to elucidate a typical cause. Skin biopsy, serologic findings, and response to treatment led to the diagnosis of secondary syphilis. Our experience indicates that secondary syphilis should be included in the different diagnosis of patients presenting with the blue toe syndrome.