SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Reactive Arthritis Triggered by Haemophilus Influenzae Bacteremia: A Case Report

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This case describes a 59-year-old man with HIV who presented with an acute macular rash and asymmetric oligoarthralgia, but no obvious signs of sepsis. Laboratory studies showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and elevated inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR). Ultrasound excluded soft tissue collections. Blood cultures later grew <em>Haemophilus influenzae</em>.

Because infection was present, a knee arthrocentesis was performed to rule out septic arthritis. Synovial fluid showed 1,150 cells/µL with 82% neutrophils, no crystals, and negative Gram stain and culture, supporting reactive arthritis rather than septic arthritis.

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory spondyloarthropathy classically triggered by gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections, but this report highlights <em>H. influenzae</em> bacteremia as a rare cause. The authors emphasize that when joint symptoms occur alongside infection, arthrocentesis is essential to avoid missing septic arthritis. Failure to recognize reactive arthritis can lead to persistent joint inflammation and inappropriate treatment.

The patient’s arthritis improved only after anti-inflammatory treatment, confirming the diagnosis. The report underscores that management of reactive arthritis should include treating or stopping the triggering cause when relevant, and steroids may be considered in selected cases.

Asset Subtitle

Agostina E. Velo

Meta Tag

Author List Agostina E. Velo, Lindsey Fox, Richard G. Vaca

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Reactive Arthritis

Concept Arthrocentesis

Concept Septic Arthritis

Concept Infectious Trigger

Concept Spondyloarthritis

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mount Sinai Morningside West, Icahn School of Medicine

Presenting Author Agostina E. Velo

Track Adult

Keywords

HIV

Haemophilus influenzae

bacteremia

reactive arthritis

septic arthritis

arthrocentesis

oligoarthralgia

macular rash

inflammatory markers

synovial fluid

Reactive Arthritis

Arthrocentesis

Septic Arthritis

Infectious Trigger

Spondyloarthritis