[Fever and hypotension after treatment of syphilis; the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction].

A 73-year-old man presented with fever and hypotension, which had developed a few hours after receiving treatment with benzyl-penicillin for secondary syphilis. These symptoms were due to the so-called Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. The patient was admitted to hospital and treated with prednisone and intravenous fluids. Within 24 hours the patient had fully recovered. The symptoms, pathogenesis and treatment of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction are discussed.