Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Loa Loa reactive arthritis

Publication details

R Rajak, J Camilleri
Foundation Years Journal, volume 6, issue 2, p.44 (123Doc Education, London, February 2012)

Abstract

We describe a unique case of reactive arthritis secondary to Loa Loa filariasis after treatment with anti-helminthic therapy. The case highlights that in patients with unclassifiable oligoarthritis, who have travelled abroad, reactive arthritis due to parasitic infections should be considered in the scope of differential diagnoses. Furthermore, one must distinguish between musculoskeletal involvement during parasitaemia and reactive inflammatory disease to either the infection itself or, as in our patient, the helminthic carcasses. Reactive arthritis should be monitored for after anti-helminthic treatment for filariasis, so that early appropriate treatment and rehabilitation can be instituted to prevent long-term sequelae.

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Authors

R Rajak

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J Camilleri

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References

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7. Bocanegra TS, Espinoza LR, Bridgeford PH et al; Reactive arthritis induced by parasitic infestations; Antn Initerti Med 1981; 94:207-9
8. AkoÄŸlu T, Tuncer I, Erken E et al; Parasitic arthritis induced by Strongyloides stercoralis; Ann Rheum Dis 1984; 43:523-5
9. Beaver PC, Brenes R, Ardon J et al; Dirofilaria from the index finger of a man in Costa Rica; Am J Trop Med Hyg 1986; 35:988-90
10. Hochberg MC, Silman AJ, Smolen JS; Rheumatology; Mosby; 3rd edition. 2003

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About the Clinical Cases Database

T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

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