Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports (Apr 2014)

Ultrasound Detection of Septic Arthritis in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient on Anti-TNF Treatment

  • Anupama C. Nandagudi MSc, MRCP (UK), MRCP(Rheumatology), PgME,
  • Stephen Kelly MRCP (UK)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2324709614532799
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2

Abstract

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We report a case of Salmonella septic arthritis detected by ultrasound in a 40-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis while he was on anti–tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody certolizumab. An aspirate of his left elbow joint showed Salmonella enteritidis infection that was sensitive to ceftraixone. This was preceded by a brief episode of loose stools following a visit to the Far East. He was treated with antibiotics and made a good recovery. There have only been a few case reports of Salmonella septic arthritis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient on anti–tumor necrosis factor treatment but none previously in association with certolizumab.