Acute flexor tenosynovitis caused by gonococcal infection. A case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common sexually transmitted bacterium.
• Gonococcal infections can manifest in various ways, including disseminated forms.
• Tendon sheath involvement is a less common but significant presentation.

Observation:

• A case of acute flexor tenosynovitis affecting the tendon synovial sheath is detailed.
• The patient presented with symptoms localized to the affected tendon.
• Crucially, there was no concurrent joint effusion or inflammation observed.

Findings:

• The findings confirm gonococcal infection as the causative agent of the tenosynovitis.
• This case highlights a specific presentation of gonococcal arthritis/tenosynovitis.
• Absence of joint involvement differentiates this case from more typical gonococcal arthritis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering gonococcal infection in tenosynovitis, even without explicit joint symptoms.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as tendon rupture or chronic inflammation.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for gonococcal tenosynovitis in relevant patient populations.