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[Parvovirus B19 arthritis: Report of three cases]
María Ángela Carreño1, Eduardo Wainstein, Patricia Abumohor
1Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. mcarreno@clc.cl
Insights
Parvovirus B19 infection can cause significant joint pain and skin rashes in adults. Prompt diagnosis and anti-inflammatory treatment are key for managing symptoms and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Parvovirus B19 is a common cause of illness, particularly in children, often presenting as a facial rash.
- In adults, Parvovirus B19 infection frequently manifests with acute polyarthritis and skin rashes.
Observation:
- Reported are three adult cases of Parvovirus B19 infection.
- Case 1: A 40-year-old female with fever, myalgias, painful joint swelling, functional limitation, and extremity rash, positive for IgM antibodies, with skin biopsy showing leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
- Case 2: A 40-year-old female with rash and hand/wrist pain, positive for IgM antibodies.
- Case 3: A 38-year-old male with psoriasis experiencing progressive polyarthralgia, with high Parvovirus B19 viral load and positive IgM antibodies.
Findings:
- All three patients tested positive for IgM antibodies against Parvovirus B19.
- Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was observed in one patient's skin biopsy.
- Viral load determination confirmed significant Parvovirus B19 presence in another patient.
Implications:
- These cases highlight the diverse clinical presentations of Parvovirus B19 infection in adults, including significant rheumatological and dermatological symptoms.
- Effective management strategies involve anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, and acetaminophen.
- Increased awareness of Parvovirus B19 as a cause of adult-onset arthritis and rash is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract:
Parvovirus B19 infection is highly prevalent in children and the most common manifestation is a facial rash. In adults, acute polyarthritis and skin rash are often the presenting features. We report three patients with the disease. A 40-year-old female presenting with fever, myalgias and painful swelling of elbows, knees, wrists and feet, with functional limitation, after having a respiratory infection. Additionally, an erythematous skin rash appeared in both extremities. IgM antibodies against Parvovirus B19 were positive. The skin biopsy disclosed a leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The patient was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistaminics. A 40-year-old female, presenting with skin rash and pain in wrists and hands. IgM antibodies against parvovirus were positive. The patient was treated successfully with acetaminophen. A 38-year-old male with psoriasis, presenting with generalized and progressive polyarthralgia. A Parvovirus viral load determination found 239000 copies of the virus and IgM antibodies were positive. He was successfully treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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