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[Reactive arthritis due to Clostridium difficile]
S Ducroix-Roubertou1, C Genet, J P Rogez
1Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Dupuytren, 2, 87042 Limoges cedex, France.
Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|June 29, 2005
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection can rarely cause reactive arthritis. This case highlights Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome following C. difficile colitis, successfully treated with NSAIDs.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Extracolonic manifestations of Clostridium difficile infection are uncommon.
- Reactive arthritis is a rare complication of C. difficile infections.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old man presented with fever and monoarthritis of the left knee.
- Symptoms began 8 days after C. difficile enterocolitis and urethritis.
- Diagnostic workup, including cultures and bone scintigraphy, was performed.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome based on arthritis and urethritis.
- Antibiotics for arthritis were ineffective, but NSAIDs led to rapid symptom resolution.
- The patient recovered fully within 48 hours with no relapse at four months.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering C. difficile infection as a potential trigger for reactive arthritis.
- Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome can manifest following C. difficile-associated colitis.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective in managing this specific presentation.