Poncet's Disease: A Case-Based Review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• Poncet's disease (PD) is a rare reactive arthritis associated with tuberculosis (TB).
• Its pathogenesis remains unclear, and it is often a diagnosis of exclusion.
• PD typically affects large joints and presents as oligo- or polyarthritis.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old male presented with a two-month history of bilateral, symmetrical inflammatory polyarthralgia.
• Associated symptoms included peripheral lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
• Initial investigations for other causes of arthritis were inconclusive.

Findings:

• Lymph node biopsy revealed epithelioid granulomas with caseating necrosis, indicative of tuberculosis.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 60 mm/h and C-reactive protein was 91 mg/L.
• The patient showed significant clinical improvement with anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Implications:

• Poncet's disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory arthralgia, particularly in TB-endemic regions.
• This case highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in patients with unexplained inflammatory arthritis.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying TB are essential for effective management of Poncet's disease.