Concurrence of Sjögren's syndrome in a patient with Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis; an unusual finding

Korean J Intern Med. 2006 Jun;21(2):116-9. doi: 10.3904/kjim.2006.21.2.116.

Abstract

A 40-year-old Korean man presented with painful swelling and tenderness of both ankle joints as well as the plantar surfaces of both feet, along with inflammatory back pain, and a purulent discharge from the urethral orifice. The patient also complained of sicca-like symptoms including dry eyes and dry mouth. An immunological analysis revealed a high titer of rheumatoid factor, positive results for antinuclear antibody and anti-Ro antibody, and a positive result for HLA-B27. An antibody titer for Chlamydia was also significantly increased. Positive results of the Schirmer's test and for keratoconjunctivitis sicca were confirmed by an ophthalmologist. These clinical manifestations were compatible with Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis (ReA) accompanied by Sjögren's syndrome (SS). This is the first report of the combination of these two distinct disease entities in the Korean population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood
  • Arthritis, Reactive / complications*
  • Chlamydia Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prohibitins
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • PHB2 protein, human
  • Prohibitins