Acute septic arthritis of the ankle in an immunocompromised patient with multiple myeloma: a case report

Septic arthritis is a rapidly progressive joint infection that can result in irreversible cartilage destruction, systemic sepsis, and increased mortality if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Immunocompromised patients, including those with hematological malignancies, are at significantly higher risk.

We present the case of immunosuppressed acute septic arthritis of the ankle in a patient with multiple myeloma. The diagnosis was made from the analysis of the aspirated joint fluid that contained pus along with Gram-positive cocci. The X-rays excluded the possibility of a fracture and were diagnostic of the diffused osteolytic lesions. The patient responded very well to the surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotics.

This case highlights the need for early joint aspirate examination in a clinically suspicious case of acute monoarthritis in an immunocompromised host with normal WBCS to prevent joint and systemic damage.