The hard penile circumferential fold as the presenting finding in primary syphilis: report of six cases.
BACKGROUND: Six patients with firm circumferential folds located in the balanic sulcus of the penis were studied. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the origin of the lesions. METHODS: These patients were examined clinically, with dark-field examination when possible and with a serologic test for syphilis. RESULTS: All patients had reactive serologic tests for syphilis and had enlarged, firm, nontender, inguinal lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Although we were unable to prove with certainty that the origin of these folds was syphilitic, all patients had clinical and serologic findings that supported the diagnosis of primary syphilis.