Multifocal Septic Arthritis Secondary to Infective Endocarditis: A Rare Case Report

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare cause of septic arthritis. We report a patient who presented with multifocal septic arthritis as a result of IE, which is an extremely rare condition.

This 69-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 3-day history of acute right knee pain. Initial investigations demonstrated chondrocalcinosis on knee radiographs, acute renal failure with rhabdomyolysis and a CRP of 520. After treatment with intravenous fluid rehydration and analgesia, the knee aspiration grew a Group B Streptococcus, and the patient underwent arthroscopic washout. 48 h after admission the patient developed left wrist and right elbow pain. Further aspirations revealed Group B Streptococcus and the patient underwent further washouts. A multidisciplinary approach was used. Due to ongoing sepsis, an echocardiogram was performed identifying IE. The patient eventually died due to ongoing sepsis and duodenal ulceration.

This case highlights the importance of considering a systemic cause such as IE for patients presenting with features of multifocal septic arthritis and ensuring all patients undergo a full medical examination as part of the clerking process. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach when presented with complex patients so that the best medical care can be given to prevent morbidity and mortality.