Congenital syphilis in aborted second trimester fetus: diagnosis by histological study

A case of congenital syphilis in an aborted fetus in the second trimester of pregnancy was documented by demonstration of spirochaetes in the fetal liver, despite the fact that diagnostic studies had not been performed on the mother. Suspicion was aroused by the gross and microscopic appearance of the placenta, which appeared identical with the described in proven cases of congenital syphilis. Although these changes have been alleged to be non-specific, the rarity with which such well-developed lesions are encountered in placentas in other circumstances dictates the necessity for further study when they are observed.