Syndromic Approach: Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an inflammatory arthritis triggered by an antecedent infection that most commonly originated in the gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) tract [1]. Clinical presentation includes an asymmetric oligoarthritis often accompanied by extra-articular manifestations, including cutaneous, ophthalmologic, cardiac, genitourinary, and skeletal system involvement [2]. Although most patients experience symptom resolution within 3 to 5 months, about 30% of patients will develop chronic seronegative spondyloarthropathies that are often debilitating [1]. Early diagnosis and treatment of this disease process can result in less related organ and joint damage for patients as well as overall improved patient outcomes. ReA symptoms can be nonspecific, often mimicking a multitude of alternative infectious and noninfectious entities. Here we present a case of ReA which may be similar to one that an infectious disease specialist may be asked to consult on, with a review of the disease process and the most common differential diagnoses that the practitioner should consider.