Related Experiment Videos
Circinate vulvitis in Reiter's syndrome
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Reiter's syndrome, a condition previously thought to affect only men, is described in two women. This study introduces "circinate vulvitis," a novel vulvar lesion associated with this syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Gynecology
- Immunology
Background:
- Reiter's syndrome, now known as reactive arthritis, is a systemic condition typically characterized by urethritis, arthritis, and conjunctivitis.
- While historically associated with males, its occurrence in females warrants further investigation and understanding of its varied presentations.
Observation:
- Two female patients presented with symptoms consistent with Reiter's syndrome.
- Key diagnostic indicators included increased vaginal/cervical discharge with leukocytes, arthritis, conjunctivitis, and the presence of HLA B27 antigen.
- Notably, both patients developed unique circinate lesions on the vulva.
Findings:
- The study confirms the possibility of Reiter's syndrome in women, expanding the known demographic affected by this condition.
- The presence of vulvar circinate lesions, previously undescribed, is identified as a potential clinical manifestation.
- These lesions share morphological similarities with circinate balanitis observed in males.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that 'circinate vulvitis' may be a distinct clinical sign of Reiter's syndrome in women.
- This expands the diagnostic criteria and clinical recognition of reactive arthritis in female patients.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis and prevalence of circinate vulvitis in women with reactive arthritis.