The hard penile circumferential fold as the presenting finding in primary syphilis: Report of six cases

Abstract

Six patients with firm circumferential folds located in the balanic sulcus of the penis were studied. The purpose of the study was to determine the origin of the lesions. These patients were examined clinically, with dark-field examination when possible and with a serologic test for syphilis. All patients had reactive serologic tests for syphilis and had enlarged, firm, nontender, inguinal lymph nodes. 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.