Inflammatory arthritis mimicking Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in a child: A case report

Area of Science:

• Pediatric rheumatology
• Diagnostic challenges in childhood joint pain

Background:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatological condition in children.
• JIA presents with peripheral joint arthritis, chronic synovitis, and potential extra-articular manifestations.
• Accurate JIA diagnosis can be prolonged, often involving serial evaluations and differential diagnoses.

Observation:

• A case study involving an 8-year-old girl with ankle pain.
• The initial diagnosis was complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition where trauma is implicated in its etiology.
• The patient's symptoms were initially misattributed to CRPS.

Findings:

• The case underscores the diagnostic difficulty in differentiating JIA from other conditions presenting with joint pain.
• Misdiagnosis can occur, particularly when trauma is a factor, potentially leading to delayed JIA treatment.
• This highlights the importance of considering JIA in childhood joint complaints, even when other diagnoses seem plausible.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in pediatric joint pain to avoid misdiagnosis of JIA.
• Suggests that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for JIA when evaluating childhood arthritis, even with potential trauma history.
• Improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for timely JIA management and preventing long-term complications.