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In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
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Primary meningococcal septic arthritis with multiple native joint involvement.
Connor Boyle1,2, Thomas Howard2, David Griffith3
1Division of Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|May 10, 2018
Summary
A rare case of adult meningococcal septic arthritis occurred in an 18-year-old woman. Prompt antibiotic treatment and drainage led to full recovery without long-term complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Primary septic arthritis is typically caused by bacteria other than Neisseria meningitidis.
- Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause of meningitis and sepsis, but rarely causes septic arthritis in adults.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old woman presented with acute, painful swelling in her ankle, hip, and wrist.
- Microbiological analysis of ankle joint fluid identified Neisseria meningitidis.
- The patient had no prior meningitis symptoms or known exposure to the disease.
Findings:
- The patient received intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage for the affected joints.
- All symptoms resolved, inflammatory markers normalized, and no long-term joint damage occurred.
- This case highlights the uncommon presentation of primary meningococcal septic arthritis in adults.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in septic arthritis.
- Neisseria meningitidis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis, even in the absence of meningitis symptoms.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare bacterial causes of septic arthritis in adults.
Keywords:
bone and joint infectionsinfectionsmusculoskeletal and joint disordersorthopaedic and trauma surgeryMore Related Videos
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