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Incomplete Reiter's syndrome in a black patient showing HLA B 27
Y A Kim1, M P Bagley, I Thomas
1Department of Dermatology, New Jersey Medical School (UMDNJ), Newark 07103-2714.
Cutis
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Diagnosing incomplete Reiter's syndrome is challenging, especially in Black patients initially misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A positive human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA B27) test can aid diagnosis in this population.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- Reiter's syndrome, now known as reactive arthritis, is a spondyloarthropathy often associated with the HLA B27 gene.
- Incomplete forms can present diagnostic challenges, mimicking other rheumatic conditions.
Observation:
- A case study of a Black patient initially misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is presented.
- The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with an incomplete form of Reiter's syndrome.
Findings:
- The diagnostic difficulty in recognizing incomplete Reiter's syndrome is highlighted.
- A positive human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA B27) antigen level proved valuable in confirming the diagnosis in this Black patient.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering reactive arthritis in patients with atypical presentations.
- Suggests HLA B27 testing may be a crucial diagnostic tool for incomplete Reiter's syndrome in Black individuals.