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Primary meningococcal arthritis: case report and review of the literature

M Wells1, R B Gibbons

  • 1Department of Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, CO 80218, USA.

Military Medicine
|November 14, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcal arthritis, a complication of Neisseria meningitidis, can occur independently of meningitis. This review examines its varied clinical presentations and pathogenesis, comparing recent cases with historical data.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Meningococcal arthritis is a known complication of Neisseria meningitidis infection.
  • Its clinical presentation can be variable and sometimes confusing.
  • It may occur with or without meningitis and skin manifestations.

Observation:

  • This study describes a case of primary meningococcal arthritis.
  • The literature on clinical types and pathogenic mechanisms was reviewed.
  • Patient series from 1980 to the present were compared with earlier reports.

Findings:

  • Neisseria meningitidis can cause arthritis as a primary event, separate from meningitis.
  • The condition presents with diverse clinical features, including potential skin involvement.
  • Analysis reveals shifts in presentation and understanding over time.

Implications:

  • Recognizing primary meningococcal arthritis is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
  • Understanding the varied presentations aids in differentiating it from other causes of arthritis.
  • This review provides updated insights into the pathogenesis and clinical spectrum of meningococcal arthritis.

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