J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2010 Jun;17(2):205-210. 10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.205.

A Case of Polyarthritis Caused by Mycobacterium Marinum Infection Mistaken for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Kim HO
• Bae IG
• Heo ST
• Na JB
• Kim JH
• Kang MG
• Jeon DH
• Kim NY
• Lee SI

• KMID: 2201976
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.205

Abstract

Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is a nontuberculosis mycobacterium that is normally associated with cutaneous lesions. Most cases occur after an individual has suffered minor trauma in association with contaminated fresh or salt water. In immunocompromised patients, M. marinum can cause osteomyelitis, synovitis and/or disseminated infection, which can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE). Therefore, precise history taking and specimen culture are very important for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We report an unusual case of septic polyarthritis due to M. marinum that was diagnosed by culture and improved with antibiotic therapy.

Keyword

Mycobacterium marinum; Arthritis

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
Arthritis, Rheumatoid
Early Diagnosis
Edema
Immunocompromised Host
Mycobacterium
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
Mycobacterium marinum
Osteomyelitis
Synovitis
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous

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