Pseudoseptic Arthritis in a Patient With Psoriasis

Cureus. 2021 Nov 1;13(11):e19185. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19185. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

A 42-year-old male with a history of untreated psoriasis and a previous episode of presumed left knee septic arthritis developed sudden onset of left knee pain, swelling, and a moderate effusion. The pathogen could not be isolated despite extensive inflammation seen in synovial fluid (SF) and synovial tissue biopsy. Whether this is culture-negative septic arthritis or pseudo-septic arthritis is the enigma, given the limited sensitivity of current available SF microbiologic testing. We present a challenging and stimulating case with no current guidelines for an optimal empiric antibiotic regimen or anti-inflammatory therapy.

Keywords: acute bacterial arthritis; culture negative arthritis; pseudoseptic arthritis; psoriasis; septic arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports