J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2009 Mar;16(1):43-47. 10.4078/jkra.2009.16.1.43.

A Case of Reactive Arthritis in a Patient with Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea

• Lee JS
• Kim GT
• Yang MJ
• Seo JH

• KMID: 2202140
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jkra.2009.16.1.43

Abstract

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea. The frequent use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents increases the likelihood of acquiring Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Reactive arthritis is a recognized sequela of infection with a many types of enteric or urogenital pathogens. Although the main bacterial causes of reactive arthritis following enteric infection are Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Yersinia, Clostridium difficile should be considered as a rare cause of reactive arthritis. We report here on a case of a 63-year-old man who presented with reactive arthritis following an infection with Clostridium difficile.

Keyword

Clostridium difficile; Pseudomembranous colitis; Reactive arthritis

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arthritis, Reactive
Campylobacter
Clostridium
Clostridium difficile
Diarrhea
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous
Humans
Middle Aged
Salmonella
Shigella
Yersinia
Anti-Bacterial Agents

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Colonoscopic finding. The surface of the colon is diffusely covered a yellowish mucoid material. Mucosal edema is observed around.

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  Fig. 2. Ultrasonography of the right knee joint. An amount of joint fluid and simultaneous synovial hypertrophy are observed in the right knee joint.

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  Fig. 3. New pain and swelling in the left knee joint have occurred.

Reference

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