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Primary meningococcal arthritis: case report and review
E J Giamarellos-Bourboulis1, P Grecka, G L Petrikkos
14th Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens, Medical School, Greece. giamarel@internet.gr
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|August 15, 2002
Summary
A rare case of primary meningococcal arthritis in a teen was successfully treated. Penicillin G effectively resolved the infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis in the knee joint.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary meningococcal arthritis is an uncommon manifestation of Neisseria meningitidis infection.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female presented with arthritis exclusively affecting her left knee.
- Neisseria meningitidis was identified in both blood and synovial fluid samples.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with primary meningococcal arthritis.
- Cultures confirmed Neisseria meningitidis as the causative agent.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering meningococcal infection in cases of septic arthritis, even without systemic signs.
- Intravenous penicillin G demonstrated efficacy in treating this rare condition.