ABSTRACT
Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is associated with recent streptococcal infections. However, PSRA is distinct from acute rheumatic fever by its clinical manifestations: non-migrating arthritis, erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme, and transient elevation of serum transaminases. We experienced a 33-year-old man who presented with fever, arthritis of both knees and ankles, and erythema nodosums on extensor surfaces of lower legs which developed 6 days after the onset of pharyngitis symptoms. Blood and urine cultures were negative. Throat culture was negative for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The ASO titers increased up to 2080 IU/mL in sequential monitoring. The result of bone scan was compatible to arthritis of both knees and ankles. There were no signs or symptom of carditis. He showed clinical improvement with anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen 1,000 mg/day and prednisolone 7.5 mg/d). PSRA should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with arthritis combined with fever.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Ankle , Arthritis , Arthritis, Reactive , Diagnosis, Differential , Erythema Multiforme , Erythema Nodosum , Fever , Knee , Leg , Myocarditis , Pharyngitis , Pharynx , Prednisolone , Rheumatic Fever , Streptococcal Infections , Streptococcus , TransaminasesABSTRACT
Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is associated with recent streptococcal infections. However, PSRA is distinct from acute rheumatic fever by its clinical manifestations: non-migrating arthritis, erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme, and transient elevation of serum transaminases. We experienced a 33-year-old man who presented with fever, arthritis of both knees and ankles, and erythema nodosums on extensor surfaces of lower legs which developed 6 days after the onset of pharyngitis symptoms. Blood and urine cultures were negative. Throat culture was negative for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The ASO titers increased up to 2080 IU/mL in sequential monitoring. The result of bone scan was compatible to arthritis of both knees and ankles. There were no signs or symptom of carditis. He showed clinical improvement with anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen 1,000 mg/day and prednisolone 7.5 mg/d). PSRA should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with arthritis combined with fever.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Ankle , Arthritis , Arthritis, Reactive , Diagnosis, Differential , Erythema Multiforme , Erythema Nodosum , Fever , Knee , Leg , Myocarditis , Pharyngitis , Pharynx , Prednisolone , Rheumatic Fever , Streptococcal Infections , Streptococcus , TransaminasesABSTRACT
We report a patient with reactive arthritis induced by recent streptococcal infection. A 27 year man had suffered from fever, sore throat and pain on left sternoclavicular joint. Arthritis occurred two days after tonsillitis and involved left sternoclavicular joint. Left sternoclavicular joint showed redness, swelling and tenderness. There were no growth of microorganism in blood cultures, no evidence of group Abeta-streptococcus in throat cultures, but antistreptolysin-O (ASO) and c-reactive protein (CRP) serum titers were elevated in sequential monitoring. Bone scan showed focal hot uptake at left sternoclavicular joint and Gallium scan showed diffuse inflammation at left sternoclavicular joint and soft tissue biopsy around sternoclavicular joint showed mild chronic inflammation. We suspected septic arthritis and prescribed empirical antibiotics but his symptoms were wax and wane. From the poor responsiveness to antibiotics, sustained high titers of ASO and recent history of tonsillitis, we confirmed poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, and attempted high-dose anti-inflammatory drug (aspirin 6 gram). Left sternoclavicular and shoulder pain improved.