Acute parvovirus B19 infection presenting as rheumatoid arthritis mimic

Abstract

Acute parvovirus B19 infection can cause acute symmetric polyarthritis indistinguishable from polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis. Most cases of acute arthritis due to parvovirus B19 are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic treatment. We present a 65-year-old lady from Southern India who presented with history of fever and joint pain for 10 days. Clinical examination revealed symmetric inflammatory arthritis involving the appendicular skeleton with predominant involvement of bilateral metacarpophalageal joints. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers with negative serology for rheumatoid arthritis. Parvovirus B19 IgM antibody tested positive. She was initiated on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with which her symptoms resolved completely.

Keywords

• Arthritis
• parvovirus B19
• rheumatoid arthritis