Reactive Arthritis Caused by Urinary Tract Infection

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for coronary artery disease.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to systemic complications.
• Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can follow infections.

Observation:

• A 58-year-old male patient presented with chest pain and underwent PCI.
• Three days post-PCI, the patient developed fever, dysuria, and cloudy urine, indicative of a UTI.
• Urine cultures identified Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis; blood cultures were negative.

Findings:

• The patient developed arthritis two weeks after the documented UTI.
• This sequence suggests a causal link between the UTI and the subsequent arthritis.
• The case illustrates a rare instance of reactive arthritis secondary to a UTI in the context of recent PCI.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of monitoring for infectious complications, including UTIs, after PCI.
• Recognizing reactive arthritis as a potential sequela of UTI post-cardiac procedures is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking UTIs post-PCI to reactive arthritis.