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Factitious septic arthritis
T G Elliott1, D Burdge, G D Reid
1Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Abstract:
Septic arthritis is an uncommon manifestation of factitious illness. We report 2 patients who developed septic arthritis of the knee after repeated self-administered intraarticular injections. Multiple unusual infective agents were isolated. These cases illustrate malingering and Munchausen syndrome, 2 examples from the spectrum of factitious disease syndromes.
Insights
Septic arthritis of the knee can arise from factitious illness, specifically from repeated self-injections. This highlights the spectrum of factitious disease syndromes, including malingering and Munchausen syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Septic arthritis, a serious joint infection, is rarely linked to factitious disorders.
- Factitious illnesses involve intentionally produced or feigned physical or psychological signs and symptoms.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with septic arthritis of the knee following repeated self-administration of intraarticular injections.
- Unusual and diverse infective agents were identified in both cases.
Findings:
- The cases demonstrate a connection between self-induced intraarticular injections and the development of septic arthritis.
- The clinical presentations are consistent with malingering and Munchausen syndrome, representing factitious disease syndromes.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering factitious disorders in patients with unexplained septic arthritis, especially after self-injection.
- Underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by factitious illnesses and the need for thorough patient evaluation.
- Suggests the potential for rare and unusual pathogens in factitious septic arthritis.