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An unusual case of knee pain: pseudogout and Abiotrophia defectiva infection

Kim M O'Connor1, Pamela Williams, Steven A Pergam

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. koconnor@u.washington.edu

Southern Medical Journal
|August 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of septic arthritis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva infection in a 90-year-old man, coinciding with pseudogout. It highlights the organism

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Abiotrophia defectiva is a known cause of infective endocarditis.
  • Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Pseudogout, or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, can cause acute joint inflammation.

Observation:

  • A 90-year-old male presented with monoarticular arthritis.
  • Synovial fluid analysis revealed crystals consistent with pseudogout and positive cultures for Abiotrophia defectiva.
  • The patient's presentation was characterized by acute joint pain and swelling.

Findings:

  • This case represents one of the few documented instances of septic arthritis caused by Abiotrophia defectiva.
  • It is the first reported case of septic arthritis due to Abiotrophia defectiva in association with pseudogout.
  • The identification of Abiotrophia defectiva in synovial fluid confirms its role in this specific joint infection.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of routine synovial fluid culture in diagnosing septic arthritis, especially with unusual organisms.
  • It expands the spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with Abiotrophia defectiva infections.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimal management of Abiotrophia defectiva septic arthritis, particularly in the context of crystal arthropathies.

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