Sporothrix schenckii infection presented as monoarthritis: report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Septic arthritis demands early diagnosis and correct treatment if the function of the joint is to be restored. Sometimes, as in fungal infection, signs and symptoms may be mild and the diagnosis delayed. Nevertheless, the outcome of fungal arthritis is severe and usually causes joint disability. The authors report two patients with chronic monoarthritis due to Sporothrix schenckii infection diagnosed by synovial fluid cultures. Their clinical presentation, laboratory and image findings, and their treatment and follow-up are analyzed and compared to previously reported cases. These cases illustrate the differential diagnosis of monoarthritis in immunocompetent adults and picture clinical features that could lead to early diagnosis and proper treatment.