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Mumps arthritis: a review of the literature
Abstract:
Arthropathy is an unusual but significant complication of mumps viral infection. Predominantly affecting young adult males, large and small joint involvement occur before, after, or in the absence of parotitis. Fever, leukocytosis, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate accompany an occasionally protracted course. A high incidence of associated visceral manifestations occurs among patients with mumps arthritis. A review of the pathogenesis of these other complications suggests direct viral invasion as the most likely pathogenesis of mumps arthritis. The possibility of mumps virus arthritis should be considered in patients with acute-onset, obscure, or febrile seronegative arthritis.
Insights
Mumps viral infection can cause joint problems (arthropathy), affecting young men and sometimes occurring without typical mumps symptoms. Direct viral invasion is the likely cause, warranting consideration in unexplained arthritis cases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mumps virus is known for causing parotitis but can lead to unusual complications.
- Arthropathy is a recognized, though infrequent, sequela of mumps infection.
Observation:
- Mumps-associated arthropathy typically affects young adult males.
- Joint involvement (large and small) can precede, follow, or occur independently of parotitis.
- Symptoms include fever, leukocytosis, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, with a potentially prolonged course.
Findings:
- A significant incidence of visceral manifestations accompanies mumps arthritis.
- Pathogenesis likely involves direct viral invasion of joint tissues.
- Mumps arthritis presents as acute-onset, febrile, seronegative arthritis of unclear etiology.
Implications:
- Consider mumps virus as a potential cause in patients presenting with acute, unexplained arthritis.
- Understanding the pathogenesis aids in differential diagnosis and patient management.
- Highlights the systemic potential of mumps virus beyond salivary gland infection.
