A 14-Year-Old Female With Several-Week History of Rash, Worsening Diffuse Arthralgias, and Fevers

Seth J Deskins1, Felistia Crowder2, Sydney Downey2

  • 1Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, USA.

Cureus
|September 16, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) can be the first sign of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Early diagnosis of this life-threatening condition is crucial for prompt corticosteroid treatment and better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe hyperinflammatory condition.
  • Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a rare autoimmune disease in children.
  • MAS as the initial presentation of sJIA poses diagnostic challenges.

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