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Unless I'm greatly mistaken, syphilis has a dormant stage which can last months or years, during which the infected party displays no symptoms. I'm guessing that a dormant infection probably wouldn't have shown any signs during an autopsy. I'll emphasize that this is only a guess, though, as information about what doctors could accurately diagnose during the LVP seems difficult to come by.
For what it's worth, I'll note that certain of Isabella Beeton's biographers (Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management), opine that she suffered from undiagnosed syphilis, and that the infection passed along at birth led to the deaths of her infant children. Certainly none of the doctors of the time diagnosed it, if that's what it really was, and she was able to afford first-rate medical care.
That was in the 1860s, so doctors 25 years later may have had better diagnostics, but I'd not really want to bet money on it.
For what it's worth, I'll note that certain of Isabella Beeton's biographers (Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management), opine that she suffered from undiagnosed syphilis, and that the infection passed along at birth led to the deaths of her infant children. Certainly none of the doctors of the time diagnosed it, if that's what it really was, and she was able to afford first-rate medical care.
That was in the 1860s, so doctors 25 years later may have had better diagnostics, but I'd not really want to bet money on it.
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