 Congenital syphilis is that which is transmitted during pregnancy or during birth . Two @-@ thirds of syphilitic infants are born without symptoms . Common symptoms that develop over the first couple of years of life include enlargement of the liver and spleen ( 70 % ) , rash ( 70 % ) , fever ( 40 % ) , neurosyphilis ( 20 % ) , and lung inflammation ( 20 % ) . If untreated , late congenital syphilis may occur in 40 % , including saddle nose deformation , Higoumenakis sign , saber shin , or Clutton 's joints among others . 
