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Severe Adult-Onset Still's Disease Mimicking Systemic Infection

Rajani Gubbala1, Ganshyam Jagathkar1, Nagalakshmikanth Reddy Mayaluri1

  • 1Department of Critical Care, MaxCure Hospitals, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Insights

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) can mimic infections. This case highlights AOSD diagnosis in a young male with fever, joint pain, and rash, successfully treated with steroids.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder.
  • AOSD often presents with characteristic symptoms of fever, rash, and arthritis, but can mimic infectious processes.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing complications.

Observation:

  • A 22-year-old male presented with prolonged fever, sore throat, and abdominal pain.
  • The patient developed tachycardia and tachypnea, necessitating mechanical ventilation.
  • Laboratory findings included elevated white blood cell count, procalcitonin, and troponin levels.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) after extensive investigation.
  • The clinical presentation and laboratory results were consistent with AOSD, despite initial suspicion of infection.
  • The patient showed a positive response to corticosteroid therapy.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering AOSD in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin, especially when infection is suspected.
  • Prompt recognition and treatment of AOSD with corticosteroids can lead to favorable outcomes.
  • Further research into the diagnostic challenges and optimal management strategies for AOSD is warranted.

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