Question

In secondary syphilis, which one of the following features is NOT found?

• A. Maculopapular rashes
• B. Generalised nontender lymphadenopathy
• C. Aortitis
• D. Follicular syphilides

Hint:

Think about which finding takes years of untreated disease to develop rather than appearing during the early disseminated stage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

This question tests whether you can separate the clinical features of secondary syphilis from those of the later, tertiary stage.

1. Maculopapular rashes: seen in secondary syphilis — a widespread rash involving the palms and soles is a textbook finding of this stage, so it does not answer the question.
2. Generalised nontender lymphadenopathy: also a secondary-stage finding, caused by hematogenous spread of spirochetes to lymph nodes, so it is not the answer either.
3. Aortitis: this only appears in tertiary syphilis, years after infection, once endarteritis damages the aortic wall — it has no place in secondary syphilis, which makes it the correct answer.
4. Follicular syphilides: the patchy alopecia of secondary syphilis, again a stage-appropriate finding and not the answer.

Correct answer: Aortitis, because it is a tertiary-stage complication, not a secondary-stage feature.